Art Bead Scene March Challenge

This necklace has been quite the challenge. I just love it but I have struggled all month to get a photo I am truly happy. Today I got the best photos so far even though I'm still not happy with them. But this is a challenge isn't it and my biggest challenge was taking the photos not making the piece.

I had many of the ingredients for this necklace set aside for quite some time but it wasn't until I considered adding the bright orange Lucite and coconut shell beads that I finally had what I wanted. The Art Bead Scene Challenge piece for this month by Paul Gaugin gave me the inspiration to add that punch of bright color and that was it! I call it Flower Child!

Flower Child on Artfire

Beautiful Turquoise focal backed by a Vintaj Brass flower, one of my Bronze (BronzClay) Leaf Charms, Green and Yellow Turquoise, bright pinky orange Lucite beads, Fire Polished Glass, Coconut Shell Heishi all strung on a Brass Chain with Handmade Copper clasps and connectors.

Kristi
http://dreamsome.etsy.com/
http://www.artfire.com/users/KristiBowmanDesign

FusionBeads Blog Challenge

Well I made it, just barely.  I had too many distractions along the way and just couldn't seem to get started on this one. But I think I'm in Love!!! That's what I'm going to call this bracelet because I absolutely adore it. Three strands of personality, with a base of the neutral faceted firepolished glass beads from FusionBeads and those adorable little off center multi color Japanese seed beads which I will absolutely get more of and use often. Then add the tiny splash of Turquoise Squares and all that Juicy Mango and Papaya color in the Lucite and Coconut shell beads, it's just so warm and inviting. But it also knows how to have FUN!!

I chose not to use the leather cord and I used a different toggle clasp, I probably strayed from the original set of beads we were supposed to use more than usual but I can't complain about the results, hope you like it too!!

http://lorelei1141.blogspot.com/

http://erinsiegeljewelry.blogspot.com/

http://beadingbymalindekoning.blogspot.com/

http://beadhappytoday.blogspot.com/

http://thebeaddreamer.com/blog

http://KristiBowmanDesigns.blogspot.com/

http://fryestyle.blogspot.com/

http://www.madmaggiedesigns.blogspot.com/

http://reginaswritings.blogspot.com/

http://www.mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com/

http://jennibead.blogspot.com/

http://maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com/

http://silverrosedesigns.blogspot.com/

http://lindalandig.wordpress.com/

http://fireflymyst.blogspot.com/

http://www.awishandacloud.blogspot.com/

http://spiritrattles.blogspot.com/

http://formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com/

http://songbeads.blogspot.com/

http://beautifullybrokenme.blogspot.com/

http://threeredbeads.blogspot.com/

http://christinec3.blogspot.com/

Kristi
http://dreamsome.etsy.com/
http://www.artfire.com/users/KristiBowmanDesign

Thrift Store Treasures

I've really been a fan of Thrift Store shopping for the last few years and lately I've been checking out the Jewelry section more than ever and finding some great stuff.

I buy the items with the intention of taking them apart to re-use particular bits and pieces, I must admit some of the pieces are so cool I'll have a tough time not leaving them as they are. I wish I could use some of the beads off of them without ruining them, guess I have choices to make.



Love this one, look at that carved tube in the center, maybe Bone, lots of other different shaped bone beads and what looks like Red Sponge Coral and lots of other goodies. That little Crochet piece at the top with the heart is so cute. I know I'll never wear it but this is one I'll have some trouble taking apart, but I'd sure love to use all those componants again!!!!





Bone? Tone of little bone beads in different shapes and sizes and these focals are awesome. I assume they are bone but could they be ivory, does anybody know how to tell the difference. All these parts are definitely going to be re-used, I like the necklace as is but not enough to keep it together.









Here's another mystery stone front and back. I think the back may make it easier to figure out what it is? Anybody have a guess? Rhodocrosite or something like that maybe? The carving is so pretty and on such a pretty stone, only hanging on a cord so you'll definitely see this one again!







This is a piece I had a difficult time deciding to buy. I couldn't tell what those swirly beads were, since I bought it I've been told they are lucite and I think that's right. I'll absolutely take this one apart, the pendant isn't my favorite!





I bought one similar to this before at another thrift store and gave it as a gift. I'm told the tubes are bamboo burnt on the ends, really cool.



Here's a closer look, look at that wire work!!!



And even closer. I can't really use the components on this one so it will probably go home with a friend one day.

Hope you enjoyed it, I'm always looking for new stores to search and try to go to the known stores fairly regularly so I'll post some more finds in a future blog I'm sure.

Kristi
DreamSome.Etsy