December Monthly Challenge Blog Tour

I can't quite remember when I first found Erte's art, I just know that it sparked something in me. I love the fashion of those languid models, the lines and the patterns. The sylph-like quality of the beautiful women seem so romantic.

The Sleeping Beauty in this painting looks so serene in her blanket of white. The rose-red of her gown is so striking against the brilliant blue sky. And those tiny little black and white flowers add an innocence to the snowy scene. 

From the strong colors, to the beautiful maiden, the soft snow, the weeping willows and the flowers and patterns, this month's painting is full of inspiration!

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I love reading about the process behind a piece of art. Susan White (above) shares how she came up with the pretty polymer clay focal in her piece. I can see the swirling folds of that sleeping beauty's billowing dress. I especially love seeing the aftermath of the other pieces that 'auditioned' for a starring role.

Miss Cece Cormier of The Beading Yogini (above) treats us to a soft but substantial cuff. I am very impressed that she decided to try something new: tatting. I think those little beaded tendrils are a spot on match for the sweet little flowers in the inspiration painting. Well done!

Welcome to Miss Julie Bowen! Her blog post on Autochthonous Evolved (above) shares the in-depth process that went into creating this beautiful lampwork bead that carefully mimicks the snow covered folds in the dress of the subject. The way the beads curl around calls to mind the trailing vines and flowers. The colors are a perfect match. We are happy that you joined us and hope that you will come back and play again!

 

Miss Kelly of Mackin-Art was inspired by the color palette this month that reminded her of the bright red berries against a brilliant winter sky. She created a necklace that is very modern but I think that it also has a whimsical sense, not stark as she suggests. See for yourself (above).

Beth and Evie of EB Bead and Metal Works (above) created a lovely modern take on the color palette with this lovely lampwork bead they made that that evokes the fabric of the dress and some intricate beaded beads they used that feel like the soft snow drifts.

Focusing on the predominant rich reds of the painting, Pam of Klassy Joolz (above) created a pretty bracelet with some interesting touches. I love the soft glow of the pearls and the tiny silver and glass  flowers. 

Mary Ellen of Bee Tree by m.e. (above) might have a stubborn muse, but I am so glad that she heeded her siren call! Sometimes having a vision of what you want makes for a very successful look, as it does here, but it might make you go a little crazy with the beads...but as she says, you can't be too prepared! More is definitely more! I love the movement that these beads create and the beautiful white winter blooms that she made.

The fact that this bracelet changes looks depending on which way it is worn is something that is very intriguing to me. There is a lot of interest and movement in this design by Karin of Backstory Beads (above).

I love knowing that you can't resist to do the challenges that we put out for you! Shaiha of Shaiha's Ramblings tells us that she was drawn to the darker colors in the palette for the inspiration. The swirls on the dress reminded her of this pretty ceramic focal and she brought in the clear quartz of the snow as a balance. I love the detail of the blue thread bail.

 Switching gears to another color in the palette, Birgitta of Lejonklou Create with Spirit(above) shares the beautiful blue tones. The face connector that she created evokes the serene nature of the sleeping beauty.

Just Beadey squeaked in with a last minute addition in a pretty bracelet that celebrates the elemental color palette with the feeling of fresh fallen snow.

But wait!

Two more last minute additions!

Sharyl of Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections (above) found a lovely raw brass stamping in her stash that she altered to reflect the wintery palette and also some ceramic flower shapes that complete this winter garden themed necklace. 

I just love the way these little daisy spacers (above) on the gunmetal chain mimics the trailing vines in the inspiration painting and the red leaves with the veins is the perfect color of Sleeping Beauty's red dress. Thank you for adding your post Miss Kashmira of Sadafulee! And we hope that you will join us for more challenges!

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Thank you to all who joined us in 2012 for the monthly art challenges. It gives all of the editors here at Art Bead Scene great joy to see just how far you take the spark of these creative inspirations. For those of us who jumped in and took up the challenges, whether you were able to do it once, twice or up to all twelve times, or if you just came to view the challenges and leave a comment, we salute you! You are the reason that we bring you these challenges. Check back later this week for the first challenge of 2013. 

May you ring in a New Year filled with inspiration!