Monday, January 10, 2011

At Last!







I am finally done with my latest Bead Journal piece. This one seemed to take forever! I guess that shouldnt really be a surprise since Christmas and New Years were both in the middle of my work time! This is the month of August on my Birthstone Wheel. The Birthstone for the month of August is the Peridot. I had some challenges with finding my materials for this one. I started off with a Peridot Swarovski Rivoli, and my usual half-moon beads in both matte and shiny finishes. I decided to make the Rivoli the center of a flower, I also used the half-moon beads as petals and leaves of the flower. I searched my stash of size 11 and 15 seed beads and found I was really short on colors that would work. I contacted Cindy of Cindy's Crafts and she so sweetly put together some colors of 11's and 15's and some Charlottes for me that perfectly coordinated with my Rivoli. You just don't find such outstanding service as she provides everyday! I also had trouble finding the correct shade of bugle beads for this one. I had to make do with a green I had on hand, I guess it works. If I could do it over, I would have used some of the darker green in maybe a size 15 to tie the bugles in a little better. Live and learn! All in all, I am happy to be done and quite pleased with the finished product! I still have not started on the 2011 BJP, but hope to reveal my plans early next week. I am looking for a specific component for that project, and once I have that, I will post what my plans are. Meantime, on to September and the beautiful Sapphire!

12 comments:

Robbie said...

LOVE it, love it, love it!!! I just love your entire concept!! It's beautiful!!!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Wow Tracey!! There is no way you could fail to complete this. Its stunning!

You are so right about Cindy. She has helped me in this same manner a few times. We haven't been to Tennessee in a few years, but I will be sure to meet her the next time I am there!

Crazy Mama said...

tracey, each month adds more beauty than the month before. this piece, when finished, will definitely be a treasure! it's outstanding. and i do like the bit of darker green in the bugles...it adds a little bit of pop and contrast to the other colors. i think it compliments them very well. bravo!

Emerald Window said...

Where do you get those really cool half-button looking beads?
Cenya

Purple Girl said...

you'll keep posting as you update, yes? so we can see your progress - it's stunning so far.

beadbabe49 said...

Awesome as ever!

Lynn said...

I like the dark green bugles -- I think they work beautifully. The flower is such a sweet hidden touch. I am just in love with this entire piece. Don't know how you'll top it in 2011 lol ;)

Roberta Warshaw said...

This is so spectacular. it really is! Well done.

Catherine M said...

This is amazing work!! I love it!

Honey from the Bee said...

I really like the mandala you're doing for your journal. I was going to sign up, but never got started. The idea of having 12 items didn't thrill me, but to have a piece showing the journey.. that's cool!

Thanks for finding me on OWOH!

Janet, Honey from the Bee, #64

Anonymous said...

ABSOLUTELY LOVELY AND STUNNING WORK. You are simply amazing TRACEY! Thank you for sharing with us all! YOU ARE LOVED!

Eva Maria Keiser said...

Lovely design. Your blog is fun and colorful!