New Beads & Jewelry
Written on February 27, 2010
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Articles from February, 2010
The Milky Way Necklace
Written on February 19, 2010I have recently (you may have noticed) really been enjoying the internet beading world, meeting and making quite a few internet friends. Thanks to Lori Anderson and Cindy Wimmer, both jewelry designers, I met Erin, one of the 84 jewelry designers who participated in the Bead Soup Party. All three of these lades create wonderful jewelry – each in her own unique style.
Meanwhile, thanks to my new interest in learning what they are up to, I discovered that Erin is sponsoring a beading challenge based on The Solar System. Erin’s posts are all inspiring in different ways. Her Solar System challenge, however, inspired me to make a necklace. It is strange, since just a few days ago I listed some of my beads for sale, beads I hadn’t been inspired to use in my own jewelry. I named one group “Starry Night.” Go look at the picture of the loose beads – you’ll see why I pulled them out of the “For Sale” bin, and proceeded use them to make a necklace for this challenge.
The result: “Milky Way Necklace”
Milky Way Necklace Closeup
I added natural stick pearls, silver seed beads, howlite stars and some other goodies to create a Milky Way with my glass beads. Learn what inspired Erin, check out what other challengers have done, and enjoy my necklace, “Milky Way.” Thank you Erin.
Now Selling My Loose Beads
Written on February 17, 2010
I’ve finally got some of my beads listed for sale. Thank you to everyone who has requested this for so-0-0 long. I’ll keep posting new ones every weekend (Saturdays) that I’m not at a show. Happy Beading!
Beginnings: Update
Written on February 14, 2010I fnished my first sculptural piece, entitled: “Memories; Aegean Tideline”
Memories: Aegean Tideline
I changed it a fair amount from the first photo I showed you here. I totally cut apart the first crocheted “net” I made, and redid it using a smaller fishing line. I learned alot about shadow boxes (I’ve never used one before) – and am sure my second piece will be even better. “Tideline’ will be for sale beginning March 6, 2010 at The Gallery at Round Top. All proceeds will benefit ACT. Contact the Gallery if you would like to bid.
Inspiration: “Luna Park” by Vestie Davis
Written on February 12, 2010
Luna Park by Vestie Davis
I still haven’t finished looking at all the Bead Soup websites. Have you? My post and info about what I made for the Bead Soup Party is here. Meanwhile, I have been working on yet another challenge – The Art Bead Scene challenge for February based on a painting entitled “Luna Park” by Vestie Davis. Read the ABS challenge blog here. Garnering inspiration from this painting really did challenge me, since I don’t like the paintings’ colors, don’t like the paintings’ style of painting, in fact, just plain don’t like it. How negative is that? Hey, that’s the challenge part of it, eh? So, scratching my head, I blinked at those pinwheel things in the center, and thought “Murrini.”
Yep, murrini, those little intricate jewels that we lampworkers make by combining lots of colors of glass together into patterns, then pull out into a smaller glass cane. Afterwards, we chop the cane into little bits, and melt the bits into a bead. I forgot to take pictures of the murrini I made in Luna Park colors, however, here is a picture of other murrini I made and is leftover from other projects. You’ll get the idea. So, anyway, I made murrini in Luna Park colors, and was off and running.
Murrini
I made some hollow and flats beads, applied the murrini, and added decorations in other colors from the painting. Made some solid color beads. After all the beads were annealed, cooled, and cleaned, I strung a long necklace using them.
Bingo – a winner. All inspired by something I initally didn’t think was inspiring. How’s that for fun? ( and Luna Park does look like a fun place, I admit).
Here is the February Art Bead Scene challenge necklace I made -entitled, what else, “Luna Park Necklace.” Look closely and you’ll see the pinwheel murrinis. Enjoy!
Long Necklace Inspired by the painting "Luna Park"
Bead Soup Party Reveal
Written on February 9, 2010
Necklace I made with copper links and focal from Cindy and my glass beads and hammered circle links
- Beads Cindy Wimmer Made for Me
- Click For Bead Soup Party Players
Remember the Bead Soup Party? Each of us Party Players were given a partner by hostess Lori Anderson. (Thanks Lori, for setting up the party – go on over and follow the links to see what we all created). We exchanged beads, and then made something out of the beads our partner sent us. I had a ball!
See the picture of the beads my partner Cindy Wimmer of Sweet Bead Studio, made for me out of copper. Aren’t they great? Cindy writes for several books and magazines about making wire beads. Check out her web site to see what she does, and learn how she makes them. (And find out what she did with the beads I sent her!).
Look at the necklace I made with her beads! I love it. I decided early on to use some of my glass disks. I just didn’t know exactly how I would connect them with Cindy’s links. Eureka! I decided to let her intricate links stand out, and made some simple assorted sized circles out of brass wire, some of the copper wire she sent me, and some black steel wire. I used all sorts of jars and bottles to wrap the wire into circles, cut it, hammered it, and Jim taught me how to solder. I then slightly oxidized the cicles, buffing off part of the oxidation by hand. I think the three metals look great together with the glass disks. The copper focal bead sets everything off perfectly. I stepped way out of my usual design style thanks to Cindy, and I am thrilled with the result. Hope you like it!!
Cindy: Hello Lyn...Of course I had to hop on over here, it's just after midnight and I couldn't wait to see what you made!!! I am speechless. WOW. You told me you really came up with something different, I had no idea! I am truly humbled that you created something so stunning with my wire links. The combination of your signature disks and the variety of metals made this in to a breath taking piece. I sure hope you like what I did with your gorgeous beads too.... Jim is a wonderful husband...he even taught you how to solder! This was so much fun...I'd love to collaborate again with you real soon! :-)
Rickie: Wow, that is one fabulous necklace you made with your bead soup goodies! Absolutely stunning!
lorelei eurto: WOW. your work is so amazing. The photography alone of your necklace has me speechless. This is truly a work of art. I am so enamored. Hope you plan on keeping this one! It's a beauty!
Kella: I am in awe of your collaborative piece, both of you have such enviable skills.
Marcie Abney: I love the combo of wire and glass in this necklace. It's awesome that you learned a new technique. This challenge was always about pushing yourself and your creativity. Great job!
heather: hands down, my favorite bead soup design! the links with your lampwork disks are utterly amazing. every part of the necklace is perfect.
Lisa Liddy: LOVE what you came up with. I am a huge fan of disk beads.
Lori Anderson: Absolutely gorgeous! I love (LOVE) your beads and adore (ADORE!) Cindy's wire work, so what a great combination! Thanks for being a part of the party — we’ll do it again soon!
Susan: Just gorgeous. I love the metal work!
Nicki: I want this ! It is absolutely fabulous, so simple and so nice. Go to mass production and make a fortune ;-)
Jen: Lyn - this is fabulous! You make me want to go out and try my hand at soldering...all that fire-potential can make all that pretty...nice job!
Maria Grimes: Love It! Very creative! You are welcome to stop by for a cup of “Spring” soup on my blog. http://www.mariagrimes.blogspot.com
Terri G.: so artsy! cool wire beads sent and a cool necklace created ... way to go! You did a terrific job.
lisa oram: WOW. That is a stunning piece of jewelry, bested only by Cindy's work with your beads! I'm very impressed. I am newbie lampworker and I'm so glad to have found your blog. I will come back often.
Jayne: the wire work, glass discs & mixed metals work perfectly together
Cathryn: Extremely blown away! What creative juices went into each piece of this fabulous necklace! I love it!
Jeanette Blix Ryan: I love the necklace you designed with Cindy's copper components and your beautiful glass beads! Stunning!
Laurel: Wonderful! Love it!
Erin: This is a wonderful piece! Very creative and unique with those soldered links through your disc beads!
JBirds Garden: Really lovely. So creative and expressive! I love it
Emanda: What a great blending of your style and your partner's love it Hasn't this been fun?!? Emanda www.ArtemisiaStudio.blogspot.com
Shelby Foxwell: Love your design! Your discs are gorgeous and I like the mix of metals and of course the links from Cindy! Fabulous...
Loretta: Love the copper pieces. You did a great job on this.
Mary K: Wow what a combination, Cindy's wire work and your disks. An absolutely fabulous necklace
Judy: What a fabulous collaboration between you and Cindy! This piece is just perfection..everything about it I love!
Julie Nordine - Credit River Art Glass: This is just a beautiful piece, Lyn. You married your glasswork w/ Cindy's wirework perfectly. Well done!
mary harding: What a beautiful necklace. I love the color of your glass discs and they are even more beautiful with Cindy's copper components. You made magic with your soup ingredients.
Kate: What a perfect combination and match up! I love all aspects of it, it's just stunning! Hope you are enjoying the Party! Kate ~ Organic Odysseys #46 Bead Souper
Janet McDonald: What an exciting pc not hum drum run of the mill!! I would be really happy to wear this its sooo lovely funky!!
Erin Prais-Hintz: Lyn- This is most certainly one of my absolute favorites. The combination of your beautiful disks and Cindy's amazing wire is phenomenal. You should collaborate again real soon! That is a great focal! I love how you got inventive and wired it together since you didn't have your tools with you. Very nice. Thanks for sharing this heaping serving of great soup! Be sure to stop by and taste some of mine. Enjoy the day! Erin
Katie Nelson: I love the necklace - the copper beads are so cool, and I love that you made your own chain...Super work!
Dee: Lyn, you've created another wonderful piece of wearable art! The metal beads you received are wonderful...I've booked marked Sweet beads by the way...and your glass beads are absolutely beautiful!! great job
sandra: love the dark mysterious feel! haunting and beautiful!
Patty Lakinsmith: Lyn, your soup is brilliant and delicious! Cindy's copper beads are fascinating, and your solution for incorporating your discs worked great. Nice job! Patty
Jo Tinley: Wow! I absoloutely love your necklace! I'm always stumped on how to use disc beads, and this is just perfect. Jo
Patti: Really fabulous! Love it! Patti
Regina: How very creative, love the way your necklace highlights the copper link beads, pendant and toggle and also your glass discs. Beautiful!
Beginnings
Written on February 5, 2010I make glass beads, and almost always turn those beads into jewelry. My work carries the tag line “Wearable Art | Born in Fire.”
This month, however, I am beginning something new – Mixed Media Art. Actually, it is so new I don’t really know what to call it. Two other beginnings led me to start this new art.
I recently joined Art Bead Scene, a group hosting an event called “Blog Carnival.” Posting a blog on a secret topic with a group of other bead artists sounded like a fun challenge. I squeaked in under the wire to join. This month’s post, due today, and linked into the group on February 17th, is on the topic, Beginnings. How apropos, as I am beginning a new phase in my art.
I’ve been creating works of wall art in my head for about a year now, and telling myself, “Oh, I’ll figure out how to do this soon.” My procrastination has dragged on an on. I even discussed my ideas with Karen Vernon, owner of The Gallery of Round Top (one of the galleries that sell my jewelry). Karen said, “Just do one piece of wall art a month – just one. It will get you started.” Great idea, only January slid by and I still hadn’t done anything except sketch out another idea. I envisioned combo glass and fiber piece, suspended inside a shadow box. The box would protect the glass yet at the same time, since the work would hang away from the box, light could move around the glass. A crocheted net would enfold the beads. Flotsam and jetsam trapped in “An Aegean Tide Line.” I see it clearly.
Meanwhile (also at the last minute) Karen invited me to join ACT (Artists Changing Tomorrow). Here’s their mission statement: “ACT, Artists Changing Tomorrow, is a program developed to sustain and maintain the arts: visual, literary and performing. This program’s goal is to provide art education, school and community art programs and performances, and overall community arts outreach. The program is supported by artists, patrons and benefactors who are aware of the contribution that the arts make to society and who selflessly seek to support the creative process.”
Act’s first benefit auction/show begins March 17th – and guess what? All the pieces are 12” x 12” and can either be a flat painting, or a dimensional piece inside a shadow box. I picked up the box yesterday.
Here’s the sketch I did a while back, with a few of the beads I haven’t put in yet.
My sketchbook with a drawing of the wall box art, and a few of my vessel beads
And here’s the beginning of the piece, with some of the beads already on the crocheted net. It’s a beginning.
I’ll keep you posted as the piece progresses. Some coral and barnacle beads coming out of the kiln this morning – beginnings ———–!
diane cook: Hello Lyn~ I am a (blog) friend of Cindy Wimmers! I saw you were her Bead Soup partner, and then I noticed where you were located~Round Top! Then it hit me that I remember your name from the Round Top Art Gallery! I have jewelry at SGOVIO's and taught a class at the library about 3 weeks ago. I will be teaching another in Fayetteville tomorrow =) And, I am in the group of artists teaching at Adorn Me! in Houston March 2-7. Have you heard about it??? Come visit my blog. And, I would love to talk~ diane
Cindy: It looks like you are really stretching your creative wings in 2010...and will be in for a lot of fun! I'm looking forward to hearing more about your new creations...you're off to an incredible start with this mixed media piece!
Michelle Mach: I really love seeing the initial sketch. It's fun to see how artists move from the initial idea to the finished piece.
Jen: This is so cool! I can't wait to see how it evolves!!
