Sunday, April 29, 2012

Beading Babes Reveal #4

Hi all! Today is reveal day for our Beading Babes Challenge #4. Hard to believe we've already had 4 challenges! They have been so much fun, and I've learned tons! And if you've not heard of Beading Babes, head on over to Karyn's blog and get signed up!
Our patterns for this challenge were Ruffled Chain Bracelet....

Paisley Drop Earrings

and Nancy Dale's Trellis necklace

Now, if you've ever been fortunate enough to use one of Nancy's designs, you'll know how thrilled we all were that she offered it to the group.

I knew immediately that I wanted to make Nancy's necklace, and I wanted to use some Julsbeads that I've been hoarding.

So, first I'll show you the Paisley Drop earrings, then we can talk about my Trellis.

Aren't they cute? I chose these lovely springy colors, because I knew I was going to make these as a gift for a friend. They were very quick and easy, and I like the addition of the bicones for sparkle factor.

Ok, now to my Trellis. What I adore about Nancy's patterns is how I grow each time I use one. I am not at all comfortable with RAW, so I knew this was going to stretch me. The inner core is right angle weave that is then zipped up. It is made in sections, which are joined by crystal rondelles, per her materials list. But I wanted to use my Julsbeads. No big, right? Well, yes, it was.
See how the hole of the bead indents? Makes it a bit hard to bead around that first unit, let me tell you!

I did complete the base section of the necklace, and one section has the trellis embellishment. I'll post a finished pic later, promise!  I ended up making 6 sections, with a total length of 28 inches.

Now, about that embellishment.....I made a few errors, but learned lots! :) The beads I chose for the flower are a rainbow grey. My base is an eggplant color, and my netting is a lavender with amber inside. Soooo, they flowers? Yeah, you can't really even see them.


See the purple crystals? Well, that bit of light bouncing off of a bead just above it on the right would be the flower. And those hot pink beads??!! Where the heck did they come from? Um, I thought it would be a good idea....
Actually, they were the only metallic beads I had. They are supposed to be the flower embellishment. I agree, kinda jumps out, doesn't it? Good thing this is a necklace for me, with all my errors! :)  But, I'm so glad I've made them, weird as that sounds. Cause how else do you learn?



So here is my one section of trellis, completed.  I wasn't sure about the trellis beads at first. I thought they would dull the metallic purple too much, but in person, you can really see the amber inside color glinting in the light. I'm so very pleased with my progress on this necklace, and totally in awe of Nancy's ability to come up with this design.
I have heard through the grapevine that we may have another designer tutorial in the works.
Please head over to Karyn' blog to see the other designer's from this challenge!
Blessings, Shirley

6 comments:

  1. Well, I know that you've mentioned a few 'mistakes' but all I can see is glorious beadwork. It's lovely to hear someone talking about the creative process, as well as seeing the delicious end results, so I'll definitely take a look at the Beading Babes link. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Shirley, I love your earrings and your take on Nancy's Trellis necklace. Project 4 pushed me a little further out of my comfort zone, but that is what it is all about right! Looking forward to what Karyn has for us in project 5.
    Therese

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am sooooo glad you've shared your journey with this! I went through so many trials and errors before I came up with the pattern myself... it's wonderful that you discovered things as you did - and I LIKE your little pink beads there!!!! I am thrilled that you had fun with trellis, and thank you so much for all of your sweet comments on it! Those earrings are very lovely as well, I love the colors and I know the designer would be so pleased! Wonderful work!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very nice! The double layers of beadwork for the trellis definitely work. The darker metallic core seems to add both shadows and light, while the outer network ads a wonderful depth and layers of interest. Nicely done!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lovely work Shirley, the earrings are so Spring-y & the trellis work is A-maz-ing! So glad to hear you are embracing the "mistakes", as it truly is about the learning process.
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  6. OH wow!!! I love those little paisleys!!! How cute are they? ...and the trellis looks amazing all that work! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete

I'm thrilled you stopped by! Thanks for your words of wisdom.