Michaels Challenge

This the second Micheals Challenge to spring forth from a visit to Michaels craft store with Lorelei, and this time around we had Dani with us to join in the fun (and it looks like about 20+ of you are joining in as well!).

This is what I made.

I knew right away that I wanted to use one of my new large bird pieces. I made a few of these a little while ago and they have become the kind of piece that I only use on special occasions, for special pieces. It's a rather big birdie measuring in at 2 3/8" from beak to tail so he commands a lot of attention whenever he appears. The dark, moody colors of our challenge beads seemed like the perfect companions for his vivid antiqued turquoise glaze.

Instead of making the bird the focal piece of the necklace I chose to offset him with a row of fringe. I used the faceted shell beads and the dark purple pearls from the original challenge beads and then added my own ivory (with just a slight tint of aqua) pearls as dangles.

The rest of the necklace is pretty simply (At least for me it is - believe me if you could see my original design and everything that was going on your head would have probably exploded. As mine did. That's why I toned it down...)
I introduced some large, round lava beads (which thanks to a rather pushy salesman at Bead Fest I know own approximately 7,000 of) and linked them with wire to the black quartz, clear window glass beads and some more of my own pearls. I used links from the chain as spacers in between the beads to lighten the feel of the chain up a bit. Last minute I decided the piece needed one more punch of the turquoise/teal color so I added a chain extender to the simple lobster clasp with a crystal bead. And, done!

As always, this was a blast and I look forward to the next challenge! To see all of the other challenge participants check out this list below. Have fun!

http://Lorelei1141.blogspot.com
























Comments

What a fab design. I love that bird. The little black chunks remind me of coal. Very cool!
CraftyHope said…
Your bird is FABULOUS! As is the rest of the necklace! Thanks for helping to pick out such a neat array of beads. :D
peacockfairy said…
Gorgeous! I love the color combination!
Holly said…
Nancy, okay, that bird is delish! And I love your whole necklace design so beautiful, and it looks fun to wear too.
Erin Siegel said…
Gorgeous piece, Nancy, as always, but I think this is one of my favorites you have done!!! You really knocked it out! And the bird is amazing!
TesoriTrovati said…
You never disappoint, Miss Nancy! The color on that bird is striking. And those gray pearly beads are probably my favorite. Thanks for sharing your inspiration! Enjoy the day!
Erin
Malin de Koning said…
Great looking!
I love your fringes, remember another pretty one you did in a challrnge between you and Lorelei. I need to have a go at that myself soon. Lucckily enough I have some pieces from uou I could use ...
OMG....do you sell those...ever?....I think I stopped breathing - birds are my absolute FAVORITE!!! Gorgeous just gorgeous!!
Cynthia said…
LOVE. THE. BIRD!!!! and the asymmetry of the necklace. Gorgeous!!
Elysian Studios said…
This is a gorgeous piece! I love the bluebird- it's very joyful! And the composition for the rest of the necklace compliments it perfectly! I love it!
Lisa Godfrey said…
Beautiful! I was looking forward to seeing what fabulous ceramic piece you would use and that bird is to die for! Love the color too! Beautiful necklace!
Wonderful, Nancy - the bird is gorgeous as is the rest of the piecs - we love your unique style!
Chris said…
Your piece is lovely! I especially adore your birdie as it brings such color and charm. Great job!
jamberry_song said…
Gorgeous! Everything about this piece is wonderful, amazing work!
Mary Harding said…
Your necklace is stunning. The bird is so beautiful and such a fantastic shade of blue. I also love your fringe. Fabulous!!
Rebecca said…
When I clicked onto your site, only the top of your necklace showed on my screen and I thought "Really pretty, quite sedate for Nancy though' and then I scrolled right down.....absolute knockout. I just adore your bird focal and how you have used it. Beautiful jewellery as always!
Anonymous said…
That bird. The stormy skies. The small faceted blue bead. It all fits together like a story. I love it!

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