Sunday, June 24, 2012

Beading Babes Reveal

Hi all! Today is reveal day for our current Beading Babes projects.  We were extremely blessed to be offered a pattern from Helena Tang-Lim's shop, Manek-Manek Beads at a special price. We also chose Helena's pattern, Nefertiti, from the June 2012 issue of Bead and Button.  I was able to make both projects, which was a close thing, due to my obsession commitment to some other challenges.
When I first started out, I couldn't understand why people would make someone else's design, if they were trying to sell their own stuff. It didn't apply to me, since I wasn't selling, but I just kept wondering. Well, now I know. Helena takes some simple ideas, and turns them into beautiful designs. Her instructions are well written, and easy to understand. And if you don't understand...she's so very available to answer any questions.  I also appreciate how adaptable her patterns are to your personal taste. The bracelet pattern could be worked up in one, two, or three rows. I chose to work mine in 2 rows, using some wonderful bronze iris Czech beads and white pearls. I love the contrast, and the organic feel the Czech beads gave to it. I followed that organic theme by using freshwater pearls for the clasps.





The Nefertiti necklace is a serious statement, designed to get noticed. I adapted the pattern a bit, since I didn't have any luck finding the coin beads needed for the project quickly enough. I chose an open MOP circle, and inserted a FP bead in the middle. I also decided to make the necklace with the 3 small pendants, since my personal style is a bit more casual than the full version.

I only used the small pendants for my version.

Close up of the clasp. I did not add the fringe beads to it, again going for that more casual look.

 I added more of the fire polished every 2 inches to the herringbone rope.


I fell in love with the clasp on this necklace.  And I know, without a doubt, that I would not have been able to make it if I hadn't made Nancy Dale's Trellis necklace for our last project.  That is what I discovered about other people's patterns. They make you better, and help you with your creative process. They also make you extremely grateful to the talented folks who spend their time and effort to make their designs available to everyone.
This has, as usual, been a blast, and I'm already excited about our next project reveal! To find out more, please head over to Karyn's blog, ReleasesbyRufydoof.blogspot.com.
Blessings,
Shirley

15 comments:

  1. Gorgeous, Shirley! I'm so glad if Trellis helped you along on the way to Helena's patterns - hers are just so intricate and beautiful!! :)

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  2. Yet another Beading Babe who's opened my eyes today. I just couldn't see the Nefertiti being adapted for a casual look, but you did it beautifully. Well done! Oh and I hear you on multiple commitments to challenges. It sure keeps me at my beading table more.

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  3. Love Them! I really like how you changed the coin bead out into something so much more interesting. It made for a great design element!

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  4. Hi Shirley,
    Wow you did an amazing job on your pieces. I love the colors you chose for both of your pieces. You really know how to think out of the design box when it comes to adapting a pattern to meet your stash. I love the twist you put on the necklace and making it more your style. Beautiful!
    Therese

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  5. What a fabulous post my friend!!!! I love your out of the box thinking!

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  6. Love both pieces so much!!! The pearls are fantastic for the bracelet.....but the nefertiti necklace - wow - I love your color choices and i love your rope!!! Beautiful!

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  7. You found such a good and creative solution to the dilemma of not having coin beads for the Nefertiti -- and your solution makes each component look more airy and light. Pretty!

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  8. WOW!!!! These are BEAUTIFUL!!! I love the freshwater pearls added to the end of the first bracelet...that is gorgeous!

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  9. Shirley incredible as always! I don't know how you find the time to do everything you do! I love the pearl bracelet very pretty.

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  10. Very nice! And I loved the details in your photos - made me feel almost like I could pick them up and turn them around to look at them closer.

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  11. Beautiful work Shirley. Great work on using the different disc beads in Nefertiti...very clever!

    Thanks so much for taking part in Beading Babes again. I look forward to seeing you for Project 6!

    Karyn

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  12. Yes, I too have sometimes questioned "wasting" time on other people's designs, but in fact they often prove to be good exercises in learning short cuts which can be applied to your own work. You had an interesting slant on the Nefertiti necklace too.

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  13. I really like your pearl bracelet the first one I have seen so fary using pearls, pretty necklace too.
    Jackie

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  14. Gorgeous pieces, really love the colours. ;-)

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  15. I love the inclusion of white in both pieces! We don't see that very often and it's a breath of fresh air. Good beading! Genny

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