Etsy Picks: Inspired by Haida Totems

Etsy Picks! I've never done an Etsy Picks post before, so I'll be taking up the baton with all the enthusiasm of a first timer! I've been trotting around Etsy, going, 'pick, pick, pick'.  There are so many different ways into this month's challenge image, but I think any of these would be a fabulous place to start.

Looking at the challenge image, I'm tempted to start stacking beads to form a totem pendant. I spotted lots of lovely wheels which would sit in the mix very well, like these cheery driftwood pieces from Nature Scavenger.

Or if you're wanting to stay within the more muted colour scheme of the painting, you could try these textured drums from Jon Burgess.

I also happen to have these big chunkers in my shop, which would fit the bill nicely.

Then I'd want some critters to pop in amongst my wheels. By searching under 'totem', I found these beauties from Jewelry and Beads By Katie.

I have some winging their way to me right now from Russia - that's how much I loved them! I'm also in quite grave need of one of these bears (!!!!) from Spinning Star Studio.

I was truly spoilt for choice in Petra Carpreau's shop, Scorched Earth. She has a wealth of animal parts and masks and faces. I decided to pick this bird skull.

Time to switch to people faces. Aren't these neat? They're from a new-to-me shop - NadiaTerra.

Here's another face piece from Pottery Girl.

Perhaps you're thinking that you might go for a less figurative interpretation of the challenge image? Richelle, of Shipwreck Dandy, has a number of these textured sets which put me in mind of the carved wood and the colours in the painting.

And talking of the colours and textures, how about these, from Inviciti? I was going to share another pair but, erm....... 'Sorry, this item sold. You may also like':

Finally, what do the rest of the ABS team have on offer that might fit the bill? These birch log focals of Heather's could work beautifully. The shape, the colours....

These charms from Mary's shop provide a subtle nod to the wild undergrowth in Carr's painting.

As does this stunning toggle clasp which Ema has on offer.

Finally, if you are thinking of earrings, how about incorporating some of Rebecca''s lovely headpins? I think these would a little graphic flourish that would tie in nicely with the patterns on Carr's totems.

See? Told you I'd done lots of picking! I've thoroughly enjoyed it and come across several new bead artists and bought new beads whilst I was about it. I hope you've been tempted too! 

Bye for now, Claire 

www.somethingtodo.etsy.com

www.somethingtodobeads.etsy.com

www.somethingtodowithyourhands.com

Art Beads to Inspire You For The ABS January Challenge

Painting Imagine Tomorrows World by  Hundertwasser

I have been very inspired by the wonderful colors and joyful designs in this work by Hundertwasser.  In my search for art beads for you to enjoy and to entice you to participate this month, I had a great time looking and here is what I found:

Ancient Corals Nuggets by BeadFairy

Artisan Statement Beads  by MargitBoehmer

Rustic Ceramic Disk Beads by  HappyFishThings

Glass Lampwork Beads by Julie Wong Sontag of Uglibeads

Large Lampwork Bead by Laura Blanck of OpenStudioBeads

Graphic Red Bloom Beads by Something To Do Beads  Claire Lockwood Art Bead Scene Editor

 

                Poppy Pendant by Humblebeads  ABS Founder Heather Powers

Calypso Seas Lampwork Bead by EmaK Designs  ABS Editor




Simple Truths Bundle # 4  By ABS Editor  Erin Prais-Hintz


Round Toggle Clasp  Bright Colors by Mary Harding, ABS Editor


             
        Colorful Beads From Creative Impressions In Clay, ABS Editor  Tari Sasser


  Handmade Beaded Beads By Rebecca Anderson, ABS Editor, in The Curious Bead Shop

I hope you enjoyed this eye candy tour of art beads I found.  Hopefully  you are energized by their beauty and will  start making something for this month's ABS challenge.  Remember that we are now posting to Pinterest. 


Here are the particulars:

How to enter the Monthly Challenge:

1. You need to have a Pinterest account. Go get one ASAP if you don't have one already. It's easy, fun and inspiring. 

2. Email us at absmonthlychallenge@gmail.com to get added to the monthly challenge board.

Subject: Monthly Challenge Board Request

Indicate if you want to be added to the Jewelry Board, Bead Board or both.

You will be emailed an invite to the board within 48 hours. Accept the invite and you are ready to pin your entries.

3. Two ways to pin your entry to the board.

Pin your photo from the internet (on your blog, Etsy shop, etc.) 

Add your photo directly from your computer

Create something using an art bead that fits within our monthly theme. We post the art to be used as your inspiration to create. This challenge is open to jewelry-makers, fiber artists, collage artist, etc. The art bead can be created by you or someone else. The challenge is to inspire those who use art beads and to see all the different ways art beads can be incorporated into your handiwork. 

An Art Bead must be used in your piece to qualify for the monthly challenge.

***Beads strung on a chain, by themselves and beads simply added to wire or cord will not be accepted.***

Please add the tag or title JAN ABS to your photos. Include a short description, who created the art beads and a link to your blog, if you have one.

 Photos are approved by our moderators, if a photo hasn't followed the guidelines it will not be approved. You may upload 2 entries per month.

ENTRIES for ART BEAD ARTISTS!!
• Beads Makers Pinterest Board-Art beads must be created by you and fit the Art Bead Scene's monthly challenge theme. They can be made for the challenge or ones you have made before. 2 entries per month are allowed. 
One entry will be picked by the editors on the 28th of each month for a free month of advertising on the Art Bead Scene. Bead entries have to be pinned by the 27th of the month.
Beads only - do not post jewelry on this board. If a post doesn't fit the challenge it will be deleted.

Thanks so  much for stopping by.

Mary

Designer of the Week! "BEE TREE BY ME"

Each week the Art Bead Scene features a Designer of the Week. One of our editors picks her favorite from the Monthly Challenge entries.

The Art Bead Scene Designer of the Week is "Bee tree by me" Mary Ellen Parker says on her Blog about this ABS Challenge... "There are months when I have to think long and hard for an idea.
But, when I saw this month's painting, a zillion ideas popped into  my head!
 Flowers ,flowers and more flowers...WOW !!!!"

Thanks for sharing this piece with us! It certainly inspired me! I love how you incorporated the flowers with all the lace and ribbon. It certainly grabbed my eye! Please visit Mary Ellen's BLOG and Flickr Photostream to see her wonderful creations!

Check out the details on our monthly challenge - you could be the next featured designer!

Designer Of The Week - The Bead Therapist

Each Monday the Art Bead Scene features a Designer of the Week.

One of our editors picks her favorite from the Monthly Challenge entries.

This week's featured designer is....

Laura of "The Bead Therapist"

Here is what ABS contributor, Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp said about  The Bead Therapist's necklace:

 "The composition of this necklace is like a symphony! Built of many simple parts to form a complex and magical finished piece. The clincher for me was the fabulous wind mills that she found in two different places and match so well, as if they were made for each other. Perfect musical genius!"

You can find Laura DeMoya on her blog "The Bead Therapist"

Congratulations!