For a couple of years now I've been relisting expired items in my etsy shop. Every four months: another fee incurred and little very little interest generated in those early pieces. Frankly, I can understand this disinterest. Take this piece, for instance. It's a pretty necklace, but very simple and stringing was the only real skill involved with its creation. I decided to cut bait on this one.
I took the pearls off and used them in a new beadweaving project. I loved weaving this over-the-top gorgeous piece. First, I made a focal bead of Swarovski crystals and tiny little seed beads. Some vintage French bead caps make a beautiful frame for this spectacular bead.
Those rescued freshwater pearls went into the tubular netted rope for a nice rich texture. The final touches were beaded end caps and a gold-filled magnetic clasp.
"Cleo"
Once this piece was finished, I felt compelled to do another. I didn't have any other pieces to recycle this time, so I went full out with golden yellow Swarovski faux pearls.
"Natasha"
Fourteen hours (and a wicked hand cramp) later, I can't decide which one I like better.
~~~
Something I've learned about myself recently is: whatever skill I'm using at a specific moment in time is my favorite. Right now, it's beadweaving. Next week, it could be polymer clay. It's nice to know that when I need to take a break from one favorite thing, there's another waiting in the wings for me to enjoy next!
copyright 2010 Shibori Girl
16 comments:
I love both of these necklaces. The way you've hidden the magnetic clasp is truly unique
These necklaces are gorgeous! I also like the way you hid the magnetic clasp...awesome!
They are both gorgeous and isn't fun recycling elegant supplies?
Wow, they are both gorgeous!!! I'd wear either of them and love the hidden clasp. I also move from around between skills and am learning to combine all my various loves into jewelry. Nothing gives me a jolt more than to use something (like the fabric from my quilting days) in my jewelry.
Love both of these! And I love that you repurposed the pearls. I do a lot of that both in my bead work and my floral designs. It's so fulfilling to take the unloved and make it into something more desirable.
Hello Kate,
Well, you fabulously designed these pieces! Love them and my favorite one is the one with the blue bead.
They definitely should be on a runway!
~ Gabriela ~
Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oooowww...
i DO not know how you do it1
:-0
but i love it!
:-)
always
and without fail
your work
looks
Fine Art
and
Museum Quality!
{{ still
i worry about
your eyes! }}
there aren't too many times when i'm left absolutely speechless (just ask my little dutch sweetie)......but i would have to say that your new pieces have left me with my mouth just hanging open.....no words, just open mouth. {side note: okay, i could say it's stunning, magnificent, spectacular, fabulous, breath-taking, beautiful, gorgeous, etc......but none of those words do your artwork justice. i'm off to consult my thesaurus on this one.....}. xox, :))
Well, I'll say stunning! Geez, Louise, these are absolutely gorgeous. Great idea on reusing what wasn't flying out the door. (ps, thx for the video encouragement - it was painful learning, but soooo glad I've done one. Hoping for a little exposure..?)
I LOVE this idea! Your re-creations are devine. I love the center bead but I am interested in the way you stitched the woven pearls. I have not seen this design....I have been toooo busy keeping my hand in making patterns for new projects (it takes all the fun out of new creations...lol) Lovely work!!!
Happy beading!
Sharon
You are brilliant and brave. From a very pretty pearl necklace comes an exquisite unique piece of wearable art!
Happy Halloweekend...
Dear Kate,
Your pearl recreations make my heart beat fast. So much more divine in their new Katestyle! You always wow me! You deserve to make a zillion~
xox
Constance
GORGEOUS as usual. I love the idea of reworking and recycling your older creations. The necklace is a beauty!!
Nancy
That's some gorgeous recycling...they're both so beautiful.
thank you for your nice post on my blog;)))
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