Tuesday 30 October 2012

AJE Component of the Month Reveal




The Art Jewellery Elements components of the month for October are these lovely sets of 'beaded beads' by Kristen Stevens- aren't they pretty? When I saw these in their saturated autumnal colours the first thing I thought of were all those lovely old fashioned 'fruits' of the season that were so prolific where I grew up - rose hips, conkers, and the quince my mum used to add to apple pie...


I had no idea which set I was being sent but when they arrived I was delighted to find I had the red ones which meant I could use that first thought as my inspiration. Next stop the bead stash to see what I had to help conjure up the effect I was after - strong colours, shapes and textures with an earthy, slightly rustic feel. After a good rummage several things came together and I decided a bracelet was the way to go.

And this is what I came up with...


I've used a mix of carved ebony and handmade lampwork beads with ebony and Greek ceramic accents. I decided to use Kristin's beads as charms so that they were set apart from and set off by the other beads - I think the detailed texture adds a lovely contrast. The bracelet is finished with one of my own bronze leaf toggles, a bronze seed pod and some tiny lampwork dangles. Subtle it's not but I love that it's bold and bright and full of cheer.


Beaded beads by Kristen Stevens
Etched red and ochre lampwork beads by Kaz Baildon
Red ruffle discs by Alisha White
Bronze by moi - THEA too

You can see what the other participants made with their bead sets by visiting the links below:

And our special guests
 
Happy hopping!

Lesley

19 comments:

  1. Gorgeous, I LOVE the red!
    jenni

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  2. I am blown away by what you did!!! Seeing my beads in your amazing work is a gift I will treasure forever! Your seed pod is a perfect accent to the leaf!

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  3. Wow, I love the rich feel of this bracelet! Your bead choices are awesome, and you really set off Kristen's beads perfectly!

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  4. Hi Lesley,
    I think you brought your childhood memories of your Mom's apple pie to life in your bracelet. I love your design with Kristen's beautiful beaded beads the combination of the colors of the other art beads, the wooden beads, and your bronze components all come together to make a gorgeous piece.
    Therese

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  5. Beautiful Lesley! I adore beaded beads. The red works so well with your bronze components - i really love that bronze seems like such a versatile metal, it goes with so much.

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  6. So many blog hops, so little time! i love your inspirational photos and your bracelet is beautiful!

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  7. I love those colors. What a gorgeous bracelet!

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  8. Fantastic piece! Warmth, texture, shine -- it's all here! Can't stop looking...and learning.

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  9. I'm going to have to google conker....Lovely bracelet and it really did come together. That red was perfect!

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  10. Perfect! Love the different textures and the bronze pieces tie it all together!

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  11. This is so beautiful Lesley! Love the beaded beads as charms, too! And your toggle is perfect with this design!

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  12. I adore the seed pod charm! Your bracelet is lovely- and why be subtle? Fall sure is not subtle!

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  13. omg, I am in love with your bracelet!!! The colors and textures as just so me. Just can't say enough how much I like it!!!

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  14. this is a gorgeous bracelet! I love it!

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  15. The colors REALLY pop on this one. Very cool.

    http://mirandack.com

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  16. That's absolutely GORGEOUS Lesley!! I'm a little late getting around the hop and everybody did such a great job!

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  17. I just love this. The dark chocolate colors are fantastic with the pops of bright colors. Just beautiful!

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  18. Perfect is right!!! Beautiful!!

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  19. Oh my gosh Lesley, how perfectly you've interpreted your inspiration photos! Lovely, and very fall-ish!

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