Read this post and win a prize... maybe.
I've gotten a bit behind on my blog partner duties with Artbeads.com so I've been hammering my face off trying to get these pieces ready for show and tell.First up is a bracelet I made using this sterling silver beading bangle. I wanted to do something a little less predictable with it so first I threaded sterling silver wire through the provided loops and balled each end. Then I made a zillion hammered copper paddles in various lengths and attached them all the way around. I finished it off by threading these beautiful opaline alexandrite/Picasso Czech glass beads on oxidized copper wire, hammering the ends so the beads wouldn't slide off, and attaching them to the bracelet. Then I "dirtied" up the the shiny copper a little with some alcohol inks. All done!
It looks pretty cool all fanned out.
Believe it or not it's actually a very comfortable wear. Lightweight and shimmery. Like a big fishing lure for your wrist. ;)
I fell in love with these Hill Tribe etched bead caps instantly. My goal was to give them a little more spotlight than they would usually get so I turned them into sweet little blueberries.
I made a matching pendant using a slightly larger fern stamped bead cap. FYI, I oxidized the bead caps in liver of sulfer and then sanded them a bit with some fine steel wool to bring out the design.
Lastly, I made another pair of earrings by pairing vintage glass beads and copper headpins with these Hill Tribe sterling silver hammered cones. They were very simple to put together but I think they make a nice modern statement.OK, so now we get to the prize portion of this post! The good folks over at Artbeads.com have generously donated a $25 gift certificate as a prize to one of my readers!
All you have to do is a leave a comment (just one pretty please!) telling me what person has been most influential to you in your creative life. It can be an artist you admire, or simply someone who once gave you some great advice that you have carried with you. I will do a random drawing on Wednesday, February 3rd at noon EST. Good luck!
Disclaimer: I was sent these products free of charge in order to review them. I was not paid to do so.
Comments
Just one person?
My friend Rainy...
The person who most inspires me in my creative life right now is my friend Melissa, who is struggling with a chronic illness but still always finds time to brainstorm ideas, and look at, talk about and love my jewelry <3
Durng my young adult years I put away that side of me for a while due to bad circumstances and people but with the pregnancy of my first child my creativity returned ten fold and some. So I would have to say my first born is the basis of my re birthed creativity.
And that braclet is so cool.
My sister...
I'll always remember her. :)
Currently, I find inspiration all over the place - there are so many people who make so many neat things...
And I love the bracelet and earrings :o)
Oddly enough, my 7th grade art teacher who gave me a failing grade in her class has been my inspiration. Yep, that's right, I failed 7th grade art - because I couldn't draw a bunny rabbit correctly.
It pissed me off so I determined that I would always do creative things no matter what - just nothing involving actual drawing :)
The bracelet screams I'm so fun to wear. A nice feminine look without all thr frilly fru fru!!!
In just a word my Mum!
Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.
That bracelet is just amazing!!!!!
Alice
the negative - one person? seriously?
ok, an art history professor who i did a year long honors thesis with (i have tremendous admiration for him)... when i once asked him a question, he replied 'i don't know, let's find out.' for me, that was revolutionary... i go thru art and life now like that... i want to try something i don't know how to do, i find out how and do it... he freed me...
I Like ....It's very nice
As for my inspiration, its hard to pick one, I was blessed with a lot of supportive people around me as I was growing up but I think I would have to say that they way my dad never left his love of art behind; despite working a desk job with long hours he still makes the time to really enjoy his watercolors.
My artistic inspiration is my friend Sheila - always there to help me over my little creative slumps!
I read through the comments, trying to figure out who to pick as my inspiration, and I realized that it had to be my mother. She sewed all my clothes when I was little, took me to fabric and craft stores, taught me how to knit, crochet and embroider, and so much more that I'm sure I've forgotten.
Thanks for the chance at a giveaway.
Cindy R.
My mum, because she was the one who first introduced me to art. She had wanted to be an artist herself, but felt the need to get a 'regular career' since she had me. But that didn't stop her from continuing to do art at home, and when I got old enough she started letting me play with ink prints, pastels, oil painting, just to name a few. Eventually I discovered beadwork at a Native American fair oh, around 5th or 6th grade I think, and she bought me my first kit of materials. I've been making jewelry ever since!
I love the blue berry earrings and pendant.
Hanging out just being creative, Halloween costumes, Painting in Sheds through hurricanes, working in attics in snow storms....
Your bracelet is total Awesomeness!
Good luck to you and the buns :)
Pink Velvet Bird
Him: "That looks like junk."
Me: "No, it's supposed to look like that!"
Him: "It's supposed to look like junk?!"
Me: "Alright, dangit, you're right, it looks like junk."
Oh for sure my Mum :)
Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.
Sally
www.wireworked.blogspot.com
I would have to say three people have been the most influential in my art. My mom because she is behind me all the way and my two professors at school; metals professor and ceramics professor. They both push me to think outside of the box even when I don't want to.
My husband, Dan... he's been encouraging me to do something fun (and creative) for years.
northssclub at yahoo dot com