For those of you who need a refresher, the Bead Soup Blog Party is a blog-hopping event, started by Lori Anderson of Pretty Things, where jewelry artists are partnered up together - they exchange some beads and then go to town creating something wonderful with some of the beads sent to them, and some from their own stash.
My partner this time around was Linda Inhelder, of Must-Haves Jewelry. She sent me a beautiful mix of silver and stones, some odds and ends that may be wood, a vintage looking flower component... all in my favorite color combination of blues and greens and amber. So many design options in that box.
And so many challenges: the focal choices were smaller than I usually work with... and most of the accent beads were really chunky.... what to do? The clasp even seemed larger than any of the focal choices... could I use the clasp as part of a focal design? All I could think of was treasure. A treasure necklace with layers of charms, maybe. But how? And... could I mix one of my own lampwork focals with it? Maybe I could!
I looked at these two combinations for quite some time:
But in the end, I chose another bead from my stash and never looked back. Here is what I came up with:
The sweet little handmade shell charm was my favorite, and it wasn't until I started putting things together that I realized there is (maybe?) a little cubic zircon stone set in the shell. Sparkly!
I was going to use the silver links on the side next to the viking knit, a kind of asymmetrical design... but then I bunched them all up and added them to the treasure collection, kind of like rings on a chain. And if I could do that, then I could do the same with the big chunky handmade ring Linda sent too. And so I did.
Now... I started adding the stones on to the viking knit.... and I had every intention of using the clasp she sent me... but in the end I just kept going, and going and going and just added my own clasps. There's two, actually. One to put the necklace on with, and one to add more treasure to the viking knit part. Or to rearrange it. Or just play with it. But maybe to add to it. It's kind of hard to see in my photos, but there's a larger ring between the two clasps that keeps the treasure from falling off the chain when putting the necklace on or taking it off. Pretty clever, I think! But I feel bad about not using Linda's clasp.
I also feel bad about not getting to a second piece with the wonderful amber chunks. I had every intention of it, but got stuck trying to figure out how to use the silver clasp with the amber and sunny copper ideas that were floating around in my head. So I put it down and never got back to it in time. Oh well! Maybe I'll have something to show for it in the coming days. Something to look forward to?
But never mind that, you have lots and lots of jewelry to go check out - more than your eyes can take in - just follow the links and see what you can see! Thanks for looking!
2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson
4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner
6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins
8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen
10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare
11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman
12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka
15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy
6. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price
18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John
19. Nan Emmett and Erin Siegel
21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase
23. Barbara Blaszczyk and DaviniaDesign
25. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll
27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala
29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz
31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen
33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson
35. Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander
37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock
39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf
41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick
43. Chris White and Norma Turvey
45. Christie Murrow and Dana James
47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford
49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering
51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes
53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya
55. Cristi Clothier and Kathleen Robinson Young
57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj
59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald
61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner
63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez
65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith
67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman
69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones
71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim
73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag
75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton
77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride
79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley
82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen
84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy
86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg
88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay
90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski
75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton
77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride
79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley
80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson
82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen
84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy
86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg
88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay
90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski
91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan
93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis
95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski
97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts
99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford
102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark
104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen
106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson
108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson
110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson
93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis
95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski
97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts
99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford
100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck
102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark
104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen
106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson
108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson
110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson
111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger
113. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw
115. Lesley Weir and Liz DeLuca
116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser
118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington
119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton
120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson
122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank
124. Lupe Meter and Norma Agron
126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon
128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller
130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson
113. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw
115. Lesley Weir and Liz DeLuca
116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser
118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington
119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton
120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson
122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank
124. Lupe Meter and Norma Agron
126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon
128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller
130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson
131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum
133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp
135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James
137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi
139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper
141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner
143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy
145. Molly Alexander and Poranna
147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry
149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna
151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari
133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp
135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James
137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi
139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper
141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner
143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy
145. Molly Alexander and Poranna
147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry
149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna
151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari
152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan
154. Pat Haight and Mary Shannon Hicks
156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe
158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins
160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya
162. Rochelle Brisson and Teri Baskett
164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams
166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small
168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk
170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley
154. Pat Haight and Mary Shannon Hicks
156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe
158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins
160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya
162. Rochelle Brisson and Teri Baskett
164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams
166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small
168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk
170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley
171. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman
173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor
175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton
177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones
179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk
181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad
For a total of 362 people making jewelry!
Amazing!
173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor
175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton
177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones
179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk
181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad
Amazing!
Pam, It turned out great! Don't think I knew you did Viking knit or else I've forgotten in my old age. Love the Viking with your bead and the soup mix.
ReplyDeletelost my first comment...It looks wonderful! Great colors...Linda was my partner last BSBP go-round. She sends great stuff.
ReplyDeleteNo feeling bad about anything!
Lisa
Love the viking knit in combo with the soft greens and blues and the silver rings loosely threaded is an awesome idea.
ReplyDeletejenni
Gorgeous colors. The end result is fabulous ~ the beads look great with that focal and Love the silver pieces in front. Very nice ~
ReplyDeleteLove it!! Beautiful beads and I love all the treasures piled up like that!
ReplyDeleteThat's really pretty! Love that colour of blue.. and everything looks so nice hanging off of the viking knit!
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove what you created!!
ReplyDeleteLinda
Must-haves
Love what you made and I must tell you to try to use silver with amber one of my most coveted necklaces is a silver and amber necklace my husband bought me.
ReplyDeleteShannon C
This is georgeous! Almost royal! Love the color scheme.
ReplyDeleteNice soup! And beautiful nacklace!
ReplyDeleteGreat color scheme, and beautiful viking knit!
ReplyDeleteOh Pam it's GORGEOUS!!!! Love everything the color, the viking knit, the charms it's beautiful! XO Happy Hopping : )
ReplyDeleteThat turned out so pretty. I love the way the charms dangle with the focal and the viking knit. I've never tried that. The colors just go together, too. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful! I love the viking knit look with the charms.
ReplyDeletePam - stunning. Seriously - gorgeous. Love your bead (duh),love the Viking Knit - love it all. And I definitely think you should work up the amber with you other bead. Nice job!!
ReplyDeleteI am SO sorry for being late — today our internet provider decided to crash. My stress level is through the roof, to say the least! They’re still working on it, but it’s like dial-up.
ReplyDeleteViking knit -- something I haven't tried yet! I love how it looks! And the necklace turned out quite well!
I hope you’ll participate again!
Love, Lori
Pam, I love what you did with our soup! I'll be anxious to see how you finish the rest of your soup!
ReplyDeletePam, put the extra beads in the stock and save them for the next pot of soup! Stunning necklace, love all the dangles too! Vonna
ReplyDeleteOK. I love how you bunched the treasures together with your focal and the construction is brilliant. Fab piece. Look forward to seeing future pieces with your soup.
ReplyDeleteYour wire working is amazing! I would love to learn to work with metal and wire, so I am envious of your talent. The colors are just beautiful together! I really love this piece.
ReplyDeleteI love how you dangled the treasures around the focal on the knit. Very lovely work!
ReplyDeleteLove the treasures idea and how it all turned out.
ReplyDeleteI really love your design. I am intrigued by Viking knit, but haven't had the guts to try it yet. We’re all being pushed outside our comfort zones — with amazing results!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the hop,
Emanda
http://artemisiastudio.blogspot.com/2011/09/bead-soup-reveal.html
I like how you clustered the charms around the focal--very cool effect.
ReplyDeleteYour necklace is gorgeous! I love the viking knit at the focal.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Stunning!
ReplyDeleteLove the colours, and your choice of focal is great.
ReplyDeleteLove your creations...colors are just beautiful! That viking knit is awesome. I am still practicing on that! Wonderful job! Stunning creations!
ReplyDeleteI just love this. Exquisite colors and the way you draped the components on the viking knit works so well. Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThis necklace is beautiful! I love all the charms by the focal. I bet it sounds just lovely too! =D
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! I love the viking knit and the silver really makes the blue stand out.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Pam, your necklace is gorgeous. love it. I never would have thought to hang rings like that but I love it. <3
ReplyDeletePatty
Nice to come across a blog of a name I recognize. You did beautiful work. Just love the way it turned out.
ReplyDeleteSometimes beads just won't play along other times the allotted time simply isn't enough.
ReplyDeleteI love the necklace you made, haven't seen much of your work but I get the feeling this is very you. But would still love to see any soup pieces in the future.
Wow, such a wonderful necklace! I like the way you arranged all this little extras auround this beautiful focal bead. And I love the viking part in your necklace too! Great design!
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Michi
A challenge, that's what it is all about, and you certainly faired well. Love the necklace, the viking knit, the charms up front...just lovely. Will be back to see the second piece. Great work.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your necklace, Pam! It's stunning! :)
ReplyDeleteLovely necklace! I really like the colours in this one. Great work!
ReplyDeleteThat's just beautiful...silver and teal...my favorite color combo EVER!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love the colors in your focal with the beads you received. The use of the viking knit is wonderful, great job.
ReplyDeleteThe silver bangles really set off the focal. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! You have created a terrific piece of wearable art. I like your use of color and texture and I really love the Viking Knit. Thank you for sharing your artistic process along the way. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteLori
Wonderful work. The silver works so well with the blue focal. Love the Viking Knit section of the necklace.
ReplyDeleteI love the design you came up with. The silver charms look perfect against the focal you chose and the viking knit sets it all off beautifully. Stunning piece of jewellery.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely wonderful! So striking!
ReplyDeleteoooo, scrummy creations sweetie! ;o)
ReplyDeletehugs
hello gorgeous xxx
The necklace is gorgeous! And the second clasp is genius!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully crafted. Excellent choices all around. You did a really Soup-er job with your bead soup mix.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done! I instantly thought of "memories, treasure, hopes, dreams" - really really cool!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. It's a gorgeous focal and design, I love the viking knit.
ReplyDeleteHI Pam- I am making my way through the list... LOL
ReplyDeleteI think the Viking knit really adds some drama to the piece, What an awesome assortment of ingredients to be sent to work with-Love it all including your own focal! Have fun with the amber ingredients!! -Nice to see you as well!
Had to google viking knit and WOW! Great necklace!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great solution to the challenges you were feeling - the treasure feel of the necklace is really wonderful, and the viking knit is a terrific touch!
ReplyDeleteYour piece is beautiful. The viking knit really adds something to it. However, it is a shame that you weren't able to work in the clasp. Otherwise, well done!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I love the sophisticated yet relaxed feel that your necklace has - such lush pieces. And I agree with you - the amber and blue/green is a beautiful colour scheme.
ReplyDeletethis is so very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAmazing necklace - so many lovely details!!
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff. :o)
ReplyDeleteYou've created one of my favorite pieces of the hop! It is all at once delicate, stunning, full of visual interest. In one photo it summons up the beach, in another it reminds me of the sun shining on snow! Fantastic piece!
ReplyDeleteSorry,,,I commented on the wrong blog entry. But I wanted to let you know that I did see your necklace, and it is beautifully done!!
ReplyDeleteI love the blue and silver combo a lot and - it is one of my favorites on the blog hop.
ReplyDeleteI think you have put the right "ingredients" together, it is truly beautiful and so elegant.
The viking knit is gorgeous. Well done!
ReplyDeleteAmbra
Very pretty, all the blue and silver together is beautiful. I love it.
ReplyDeletePam, Your finished piece is beautiful. I love your focal beads, I spent some time cruising your etsy. Cindy
ReplyDelete