I went to Michael's immediately to gather the beads that I needed to begin creating. I dragged my husband with me which I assure you that he loved ;) Most of the beads I came across quickly, however, I had trouble finding the bronze beads. I found some that were the same color but flat rather than a rondelle shape so I went with those. Also, I am sometimes a little cheap and I couldn't bring myself to pay for the red bead clusters. So I used this as an opportunity to work on some of my beading skills. I bought red coral beads for about 1/4 the price and made little clusters myself.
When I got the beads home I started cutting apart the strands to start laying out different ideas. I have to admit I'm always a little scared of pinks and reds together. I felt part of the challenge was harmonizing those colors.
I started digging through my home supply to see what I could find to compliment what I had bought. I found some great bronze chain that I had bought at Michael's a while back and some cream and brown colored beads that I love.
I ended up making a couple of necklaces and a bracelet and earrings with all the beads I had.
Here is the first necklace:
I separated the beads at the bottom with jump rings and wrapped a couple of the bronze beads within the links of the chain. The problem was I really liked the way this looked without the red beads so I thought I would make another necklace that had all of the elements.
So, for the second necklace I created individual beaded elements that I incorporated with different lengths of chain. I also brought in some deep green freshwater pearls.
I really liked the feel of the individual components so it inspired me to make more of those and make a bold, funky bracelet.
There were so many beads that I went ahead and made a pair of earrings that can really be worn with either necklace:
I had a great time participating and can't wait to see what everyone else did. Looking forward to the next one :)
Have a great day!
Sarah O
