Thursday 30 June 2016

AJE Theme Challenge Reveal - Summer


This months AJE design challenge is inspired by the theme of summer - something that is sadly lacking here in the UK as I sit here in a fleece at the end of June! However, my garden is still managing to live up to expectations and that's where I've chosen to draw my inspiration from. I love that time in the garden when most of the hard work is done and you can sit back and enjoy the abundance of your labours...for a couple of months At least.

I decided to go with a beading project this month and since I was short on time I just went with the flow and let the beads take me where they would. I started with one of my own cabochons with a floral motif and created a bead bezel in matching colours. From there I added Czech glass flower and leaf beads and I was thinking at this point it might turn into a brooch. But as the shape developed I started to think more in terms of a pendant so I added some loops to the edging.


This was all feeling a bit heavy and solid so i added some fringing along the bottom edge to give some sense of movement and airiness...much better I think.


As the bead work is so detailed I've kept the necklace part very simple with watercolour chiffon silk ribbon and the final result is this necklace which I've called "Garden Party". Quite a different style for me but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.


Please use the links below to see how our summer themed challenge inspired the other participants.

Lesley

14 comments:

  1. This is such a beautiful pendant! And, yes, your garden is an inspiration :) I love the colors in the flower wreath around the central bead and how they are also repeated in the fringe!

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  2. What a wonderful pendant! So summery and pretty!

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  3. You know I love your bead embroidery. I think the butterfly is a nice detail. I love the dual silks - in color and design.

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  4. I love the idea of a brooch.I love the shape and those tiny beads.

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  5. What a beautiful necklace. I can almost smell the flowers.

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  6. A really beautiful piece Leslie! I love your flowers cab they are just so unique and the fringe really adds to the piece!

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  7. Awesome piece! I love the fringe on it and how the silk matches it so well. Great Job!

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  8. Your garden looks beautiful, what a fabulous place to draw inspiration! You know I love your embroidery and this one's another stunner, it looks fit for a fairy queen!

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  9. I'm more than a little envious that it's still cool where you are. I'd trade temperatures with you if I could. Your flower garden necklace came together beautifully.

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  10. This is gorgeous Lesley, and very English summer garden-y. The fringe and the soft ribbon add the perfect touch!

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  11. I love this. It's absolutely gorgeous and unique!

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  12. Sorry I'm so late to hopping! I LOVE what you did here, Lesley! I'm not a seed beader/bead embroidery person in general, but seeing what you and Jenny do makes me want to learn. It's plenty hot and steamy here right now so I sort of envy you your need for a fleece. ;)

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  13. I'd be happy with that necklace as well, Lesley! I love your cab, and how you added all the flowers is so great and the dangles are perfect! I love looking at your creations!

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  14. This is gorgeous! The detail in the pendant amazing; the chiffon the perfect complement.

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