Friday, April 10, 2009

The Trendy Bead - Birth of Spring

Today's trendy bead is inspired by our monthly challenge theme, The Birth of Venus. I've paired Spring art beads with finds from Etsy. We are looking forward to seeing your entries and I thought you might enjoy a glimpse into what beads I would use for the challenge.

For the first set, I want to bring in the color of the flowery fabric with the shell theme. I adore the Large Flower Button from Creative Impressions in Clay, complimented perfectly by the Shell Beads from AndAnotherThing. The texture of the Shell Clasp from Green Girl Studios ties in the two organic elements.

Not quite a literal interpretation, more of the essence of the painting is captured by the Knobby Urchin Beads from Humblebeads, paired with these Carved Conch Shell Roses from JuneJewels, and I'd to throw in a few Coconut Shell Pendants from Goshen to symbolize the forest in the painting.

A whimsical set featuring Amazonite Rondelles from BeadersBoutique reflect the hues of the ocean. A Textured Lime Pendant from Jangles has the color scheme of the painting, and to go back to our inspiration piece, I found these awesome Mother of Pearl Connectors from EarthlyElements which repeat the playful curves of the flower design on Jennifer's pendant.
Here we have the wings that appear in the painting in a Winged Blues Pendant from ExpeditionD. I love the dreamy color of these Wisteria Lampwork Beads from SueBeads, and because shells are such a big part of this month's theme I'd subtly add them in with these heishe style Hammershell Beads from SuperMagic.
For a modern look, I'd focus on one part of the painting, like the sea. So for a sea-foam inspired collection I'd start by pairing Love Links Glass Chain from Cindy Gimbrone Beads with Foam Asian Circle Pendant from Chinook Jewelry, add in a generous sprinkling of oxidised silver chain with a clasp made from A Button Waving by Mamacita Beadworks.

5 comments:

Joy aka Goddessjoy said...

I have a jar full of those olive shells that I pick up on my weekend beach trips, they're absolutely divine! A Button Waving is sitting on my bead tray now to be made in to my next Venus inspired piece. :) It fits this challenge perfectly indeed!

Lorelei Eurto said...

oooh ohohohoh! Heather, good picks!! I looove these Hammershell beads from SuperMagic! And they are so cheap! Might have to enter again!

SarahKelley said...

What gorgeous beads!!!

Alice said...

Beautiful beads--especially the Hammershell Heishi! I've been trying to find the time to make a piece that's been rolling around in my head. I'd better get in gear. But first I need to find the perfect pendant.

Thanks for sharing!

Alice

TesoriTrovati said...

Ooooohhhh! Heather this is just the sort of inspiration I needed...now to find the time to make this happen! Thanks! Enjoy the day! Erin