Saturday 27 April 2013

The Third Reveal is Finally Here!!!!!



Welcome to the third reveal for the Bead Soup Blog Party 7!  I am not one to shy away from a challenge, so when the call for participants went up, I considered it for a few days and then jumped right in.  My awesome partner is Lori Finney (also from Canada) and you can view her blog post here:  http://lori-finney.blogspot.ca/

Lori sent me a wonderful package of two colourways to design with:  a mix of reds and browns and a mix of purples. My package also included a reddish brown focal (a gemstone I'm sure, but don't know what kind) and a really pretty bright copper dragon fly clasp.



Immediately, my brain went into overdrive.  I started separating the mixes, and then had my girls look them over.  My younger daughter looked at all the wonderful beads and suggested a couple changes to the mixes and I stayed with her colour ideas.  Sometimes it's great to get another opinion that you may not have thought of yourself!  Thanks Pnut!

I mulled them over for quite a few days and decided there were definitely two jewelry set ideas in the mist of my brain.  One for the reds and one for the purples of course!  The focal and clasp went with the red mix, that left the purple mix without a focal and clasp so I added those from my stash, along with some maribou, soutache and rounds.  Lori also included in my package two of her own beaded beads and I wanted to incorporate those into my pieces as well.

I started with the red mix (the main piece) and had an AWESOME idea.  This idea even became the basis for my idea for the second piece.  The colours in this mix were so red and fiery and hot, and the focal had some potential to be red-hot as well, so I started to design a Moroccan woman.  I bezelled around the focal with bright copper 15s and then added a Swarovski crystal drop in front.  I wanted to bead embroider and soutache around the cab to make it look like flowing material as in what a belly-dancer would wear.  I began with bead embroidery on one side of the cab, then I added the whole thing to a new piece of foundation so that it would be a little more three dimensional, and I started to soutache on the other side.  This is where I hit a real bump in the road.  It didn't look right.  No matter what I tried, it still didn't look right.  I was so disappointed in this piece that I put it aside and decided to work with the other colour mix:  the purples, one of my favourite colours to work with.  I do wish I had taken pictures of the red piece BEFORE I ripped it apart though...lol

The focal is dyed jasper I believe, and in an odd shape.  So, I started with the soutache, added some cup chain, the purple seed beads and larger round picture jasper beads I received in my package,  added some 4mm bone rounds and black rounds, and ended it with black marabou.  I used one of the beaded beads from Lori as a drop on the pendant and made earrings and a bracelet to match.  My original thought was to call it Nights of New Orleans because it reminded me of Mardi Gras, but my older daughter suggested that it reminds her more of the showgirls of Vegas, so it's final name is Pretty Vegas.  Thank you Haley!



Now back to the red piece.  I wanted so bad to call this piece Mysterious Marrakesh, but I'm not sure what it will become when I finally have it finished.  I apologize for not having it complete, but as far as challenges go, this was a duzy, although I am NOT giving up on it by any means.  I ripped it apart last night thinking I had another idea for it, but alas, the mist overclouded the idea in my brain once again...lol.  Now it sits, bezelled still, but naked otherwise, waiting for my brilliant ideas to reemerge once again.



And apart from my inability to finish the main piece in time, I enjoyed this challenge very much.  Thank you Lori Anderson for spear-heading this wonderful venue and allowing us to meet other brilliantly talented people who enjoy doing what we do.

As for other challenges?  Well, I am just discovering my designer abilities and will continue to join as many challenges as I can in order to keep growing as an artist.  I am participating in the Hats Off blog hop challenge, Pine Ridge Treasure's Seasons and Summer Blog Hop Challenges, and any others I can find :)

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I have included the list of participating blogs:

Adlinah Kamsir www.dreamstruckdesigns.blogspot.com
Agi Kiss http://moonsafaribeads.blogspot.com
Alenka Obid www.pepita-handmade.blogspot.com
Alison Sachs www.beadsbyearthtones.blogspot.com
Amanda Tibbetts http://www.amandamade.com/blog
Amy Sims www.amysimsdesigns.com
Ana Cravidao http://acbeads.blogspot.com
Andra Marasteanu http://bijouxdemonange.blogspot.com
Andria Poole www.Jewelleryartiste.blogspot.com
Angela Perkins http://jeweledinspirations.blogspot.com
Anja Schultz http://anjas-perlenwelt.blogspot.de/
Ann Sherwood http://ann-sherwood.blogspot.com/
Anna Nordeman http://annas-adornments.blogspot.com
Annita Wilson http://awjewelryandbeadwork.blogspot.com/
Arlene Dean http://aglassbash.blogspot.com/
Astrid Boyce http://astridboyce.blogspot.com/
Barb Fernald http://barbarasfernald.com/
Betty James Hoppensteadt www.tybetastidbits.blogspot.com
Birgit Klughardt www.gitesbeads-gite.blogspot.com
Bonnie Coursolle http://jaspersgems.blogspot.ca/
Brandy Thomason McNair www.bellavitajewelry.blogspot.com
Brenda Sigafoos http://brenda-sigafoos.blogspot.com
Carmen Lau http://littlemake.blogspot.com/
Carol Wilson http://jetadorn.blogspot.com/
Caroline Dewison http://www.blueberribeads.co.uk
Cassie Donlen www.cassiedonlen.blogspot.com
Catharine Temaluru http://ienmaginationsjewelry.wordpress.com
Catherine Turrell http://fairysketches.blogspot.co.uk
Cheri Reed www.creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com
Cherrie Warzocha http://colorsofshae.blogspot.com/
Christa Murphy http://adventuresofwonebeadywoman.blogspot.com/
Christina Hickman http://vintagetreasuresjewelry.blogspot.com/
Christina Stofmeel www.fengbeads.com
Christine Hansen http://intuitivesparks.blogspot.com
Christine Stonefield www.sweetgirldesign.blogspot.com
Cilla Watkins www.tellyourgirlfriends.com
Cindy Cima Edwards www.cindycima.com
Claire Lockwood www.somethingtodowithyourhands.com
Colleen Vinthagen http://www.thewireworkshop.com/blog/
Dagmar Liebisch http://kokopellidesign.blogspot.de/
Dana Fowler www.blogjunepur.blogspot.com
Danielle Kelley http://imbuethemuse.blogspot.com/
Deb Fortin www.studiok24.blogspot.ca
Dee Elgie http://cherryobsidia.blogspot.co.uk
Denise Milward http://milwardstorysofar.wordpress.com/
Diah Anggreni http://pernik-manik.blogspot.com/
Diana Gonzalez www.arteypoemas.com
Diane Valasek http://dragonflyclose.blogspot.com/
Dita Basu http://www.alankarshilpa.blogspot.com
Donetta Farrington http://simplygorgeous-donetta.blogspot.com/
Doris Stumpf http://glaszwerg.blogspot.de/
Elizabeth Bunn http://elizabethbeads.blogspot.com
Elizabeth Drake http://mutteringsofacrone.wordpress.com/
Elizabeth Jones http://www.eyekandyjewellery.com
Elizabeth Stolarczyk http://elizabethsart.blogspot.co.uk/
Ema Kilroy http://www.emakdesigns.com/blog
Erin Kenny http://beadifultherapy.blogspot.ca/
Evelyn Duberry Www.ShebaMakeda.com
Fay Wolfenden www.torchfairy.blogspot.com
Francesca Watson http://francescawatson.com/
Gen Smith http://gennysworld.blogspot.com/
Ginger Davis Allman www.thebluebottletree.com
Giorgia Rossini www.joyblonde.blogspot.com
Hannah Annear www.quirkyhannah.wordpress.com
Heather Otto http://www.thecrafthopper.com
Heidi Kingman www.Heidikingman.blogspot.com
Ildiko Jarai www.sviroalkotasai.blogspot.hu
Iveth Caruso www.CreativeAtelier.net
Jackie Locantore http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/blog/MorningStarSanctuaryStudio
Jacqueline Keller www.creartelier.blogspot.com
Jane Pranata Lim http://cherryeve.blogspot.com
Jennifer Davis http://jennifersjewelsandjunk.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Tough
http://jenniferbeads.blogspot.ca
Jenny Vidberg http://shymessmycken.blogspot.se/
Jessica Klaaren Http://cellardoorjewelry.blogspot.com
Joanna Matuszczyk http://filcowe.blogspot.com
Joyce Becker www.joycesjoyfulgems.blogspot.com
Judith Johnston http://www.lampworkbeadlounge.com/
Judy Riley www.threeredbeads.blogspot.com
JuLee Wolfe www.thepolymerpenguin.blogspot.com
June Butt http://www.onewhiteswan.blogspot.co.nz/
Karen Mitchell http://www.overthemoon-design.com
Kari Asbury http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com/
Karin King www.maverickbeads.blogspot.ca
Karin von Hoeren www.creativeideen.de
Karla Morgan http://texaspepperjams.blogspot.com/
Kathrin Lembke http://allesperle.blogspot.de/
Kathy Stemke
http://vintagememoriesjewelry.blogspot.com
Katja Benevol Gabrijelcic http://slovoni.blogspot.com
Katy Heider http://onthepondcreations.blogspot.com/
Kay Thomerson http://KayzKreationz.blogspot.com
Kelley Fogle www.mylifeonebeadatatime.blogspot.com
Keren Panthaki https://vasdea.wordpress.com
Kimberly Idalski http://www.Kimisjewelryandgifts.blogspot.com
Kirsi Loponen http://peikkonen.blogspot.com
Klaudia Tóth http://www.klaudiabizsu.hu/
Krista Quantrill www.cornucopiaofcrafts.blogspot.ca
Kristina Hahn Eleniak www.peacockandlime.wordpress.com
Kristina Johansson www.wildrosesandblackberries.blogspot.com
Laney Mead http://laney-izzybeads.blogspot.co.uk/
Lara Lutrick http://www.lutrick.blogspot.com/
Laura Guenther www.blueantiquities.blogspot.com
Lauren Potts www.lpsjewelry.blogspot.com
Laurie Vyselaar www.Lefthandjewelry.wordpress.com
Leah Tees www.mybeadylittleeyes.blogspot.ca  *****You are here*****
Lena Adams http://mommaslilbirdiesblog.blogspot.com
Lesley Watt www.thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.com
Leslie Wayment www.aabeadsonline.com/blog/
LiliKrist http://pcbylik.blogspot.com/
Linda Kropp http://lindasartbarn.blogspot.com/
Linda Newnham http://www.earth-shine.co.uk/
Linda Younkman www.lindysdesigns.blogspot.com
Lisa Boucher http://lisasclayhappenings.blogspot.com/
Lizzie Clarke www.theneedtobead.blogspot.com
Lora Bright http://fandangling.wordpress.com/
Lorelle McIntyre http://beadyart.blogspot.com.au
Lori Anderson www.PrettyThingsBlog.com
Lori Finney http://lori-finney.blogspot.ca/  *****This is my awesome partner!*****
Lucie Bouvier http://www.carlosbeadstore.com/blog/
Malin de Koning http://beadingbymalindekoning.blogspot.se
Marina Dobrynina http://savonfeutre.blogspot.fr/
Marina Kosovic http://machoopko-design.blogspot.com/
Marion Simmons http://www.shadetreejewelry.com/blog.html
Marita Suominen http://momentofjewelry.blogspot.fi/
Marjolein Trewavas http://roomforchangemeuk.blogspot.co.uk/
Marsela Schroth www.marselita.de
Martha Aleo www.ornamento.wordpress.com
Mary Govaars www.mlhjewelrydesigns.com
Mary K McGraw http://mkaymac.blogspot.com/
Maybeline Tay http://thejewelrylarder.blogspot.sg/
Mea-B. Uebler www.glasorakel.blogspot.com
Melissa Trudinger www.beadrecipes.wordpress.com
Menka Gupta http://menkag.blogspot.com
Merja Sundström http://suntsan.blogspot.fi/
Merja Syrjämäki http://helmiriippuvuus.blogspot.fi/
Michelle Buettner http://www.MiShelDesigns.blogspot.com
Michelle Escano www.cabbycraft.blogspot.com
Michelle Wigginton http://adornedonadelaide.blogspot.ca/
Milla Hope www.Lbcreativeart.com
Miranda Ackerely

Mowse Doyle
www.mirandack.com


http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com/
Mrs M Makes www.mrsmmakes.wordpress.com
Nan Smith www.wirednan.blogspot.com
Natalie Davidson http://northshoredays.blogspot.co.nz/
Natalie Moten http://runningoutofthread.blogspot.com/
Natascha Marty www.sommerlicht.ch
Nikki Banham-Hall http://jewellerymakingblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Noemi Baena http://blog.noemibaena.com/
Norma Turvey http://moonlitfantaseas.blogspot.com
Pam DeBoer http://pamelas-studio.blogspot.com/
Pam Hurst www.pamhurst.blogspot.com
Patti Pruhs http://threebeadsandastring.blogspot.com/
Penny Houghton http://www.smellynelly.blogspot.com.au/
Penny Mills www.cobblestone-lane.blogspot.com
Rachel Van-Walsh www.balancedcrafts.com/blog
Rebecca Sirevaag www.godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com
Regina Santerre http://reginaswritings.blogspot.com/
Regina Wood
http://www.gina-design.blogspot.com
Roberta Fauntroy www.thevirtualbeadsociety.wordpress.com
Rosanagh Watson


Rose Johnson
http://ring-a-ring-a-rosie.blogspot.co.uk


http://swtrosethorn.blogspot.com
Rosemary Cheslock www.glasseyebutterfly.tumblr.com
Rossana De Gaspari http://rdegas.blogspot.com
Sabine Dittrich www.perlendschungel.blogspot.com
Sam Waghorn http://palemooncreations.tumblr.com/
Sandi James http://www.dobedobeaddo.blogspot.com/
Sandra McGriff http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.ca
Sandra Wollberg http://city-of-brass-stories.blogspot.com/
Sandra Young http://gypsyroadbeads.blogspot.ca/
Shai Williams http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/
Sharon Palac www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com
Sierra Barrett http://giraffecanhas.wordpress.com/
Silke Gröber http://just-beads.blogspot.com
Siobhán Keogh http://vovsjewellery.blogspot.ie/
Stefanie Teufel http://stefaniessammelsurium.blogspot.com
Stephanie Stamper www.Skwds.blogspot.com
Sue Hamel http://cardandjewelrycorner.blogspot.com/
Sue Rennie http://moonandsevenstars.blogspot.co.uk/
Susan Kennedy www.suebeads.blogspot.com
Susan McClelland http://mistheword12.wordpress.com
Susanna Lehto http://othellehto.blogspot.fi/
Suse Stelljes www.pearlify.blogspot.de
Susie Hibdon http://vintagesusieandwings.blogspot.com
Suzann Sladcik Wilson www.BeadphoriaBlog.com
Tara Plote http://newbiebeader.blogspot.com/
Terri G. http://terrisbloomingideas.blogspot.com/
Terry Carter http://tappingflamingo.blogspot.com/
Terry Matuszyk http://pinkchapeau.wordpress.com/
Theresa Frank http://www.theresestreasures59.blogspot.com/
Tina Bosh http://bookbug-somanybookssolittletime.blogspot.com/
Tina Noonan www.wingedimp.blogspot.com
Toltec Jewels www.JewelSchoolFriends.com




Facebook Participants


Audrey Allen https://www.facebook.com/adallen07
Cindy Wimmer Muse https://www.facebook.com/mritech813
Cynthia O'Toole https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.otoole
Deb Floros https://www.facebook.com/deb.floros
Debbie Jensen https://www.facebook.com/debbie.jensen.984
Erin Honeycutt https://www.facebook.com/erin.honeycutt1
Kaushambi Shah https://www.facebook.com/kaushambi.shah
Lisa Lloyd Harrison https://www.facebook.com/lisa.lloydharrison
Mary Jane Tanner https://www.facebook.com/mary.j.tanner
Valerie Tilghman https://www.facebook.com/valerie.tilghman




29 comments:

  1. Beautiful, Leah! I love your purple piece.....such stunning beadwork! Keep at the second piece because it looks like it will be beautiful too!

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  2. Amazing work, the soutache necklace looks so decadent, I just love it! :)

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  3. Gorgeous work. I would not know where to start! Fab!!

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  4. Lovely Work!!! Such a wonderful soup filled with so much creativity!!! Well one!

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  5. Vegas is rocking! The feather is such fun, and the soutache is a lovely frame for cabochon. Can't wait to see what your trip to Marrakesh ends up looking like -- the beginning is pretty!

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  6. what a great focal you made!excellent!

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  7. Gorgeous! I love your beadwork very much.
    kathy

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  8. The purple set was just gorgeous - it is my favorite color. I love what you did with it and the feathers were such an unexpected touch. I can't wait to see what the red piece ends up looking like.

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  9. Beautiful designs! I can't wait to see how the red piece turns out.

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  10. Just got home from work, sorry I'm so late!! Wow, Leah, I am blown away by your pieces...you definitely have created silk purses from sow's ears! LOVE the main necklace...that marabou I am going to have to remember, it absolutely adds SUCH a Wow to the piece! Your soutache and embroidery work are just gorgeous. Can't wait to see how the other piece turns out, it is looking pretty darn fine already!

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  11. Love the bezels on both pieces but the beginning of the red one is my favorite. Can't wait to see the finished product, hopefully you'll post when it's finished.

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  12. Love love the first necklace, the pendant is gorgeous and the touch of maribou is awesome, great job.

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  13. Pretty Vegas is very pretty indeed! I love the addition of maribou to the piece -it really adds that special ooh-la-la factor, which no showgirl would ever be without :-). I hope the Bead Muse visits soon so you get to complete your other piece. I already like the bezelled pendant and am very interested to see the final product.

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  14. I like your use of crystals in Pretty Vegas, sparkles AND fluffiness looks so much fun to wear :-) the colour combinations are stunning!

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  15. That focal is incredible! What detailed gorgeous bead work! Love the way you framed the jasper. Everything turned out beautiful. Nice job!

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  16. Nice work, love that fluffy necklace and have an urge to come over and stroke it!

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  17. Leah, could you please send me your email? I have some info for the Hats Off Challenge that I need to send along ;-) My email is beadsong@aol.com

    Thanks, Bobbie

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  18. I love that you went bold on the necklace, it's stunning!

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  19. Beautiful! Love the feather so much!!

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  20. Gorgeous designs! I love the start of Marakesh... I'll look forward to seeing it finished!

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  21. Love the purple pendant, and the red project is looking great so far!

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  22. OOOOOOOO I LOVE Pretty Vegas!!!
    jean yates from the first reveal!

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  23. What lovely lush purpleness!

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  24. Leah your purple set is awesome. I wouldn't have thought about adding marabou but it really make the necklace a showstopper. I Love the soutache. I am sure you will come up with something great for the red focal too.

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  25. Gorgeous pieces. Your designs and beadwork are fantastic! Great job!

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  26. Amazing designs! Love the start to your red piece!

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  27. Your first piece does remind me of Vegas too. I think it's the feathery marabou that does it. I love the palette you used for it though.
    Oh, and the way you encased the red focal is so very cool. Best wishes on getting that fog to clear so you can finish it up. I'm positive it'll be beautiful when you get it complete!
    Nice job so far though :)

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  28. These are beautiful pieces made with skills I don't have. Wonderful work!

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  29. I burned out on Bead Soup long before I hit 500 blogs, so now I'm playing catch-up. I'm really glad I stopped by your blog. Your Vegas set is amazing! Glitzy, fun and flirty, what a beautiful soup outcome. Marrakesh looks like it will be equally steamy. If your sultry, belly-dancing muse hasn't jingle into your creative process yet she will soon. I'd love to see how Marrakesh turns out, please post a final picture.

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