Probably like you, I follow a fair number of blogs, but there are a few that stand out because the spirit and personality of their author truly shine through. These bloggers show us more than their jewelry, they share their thoughts, their inspirations, their sense of humor, and their lives with their readers in a very special way.
Cynthia Machata of Antiquity Travelers is one of those. She shares her exotic travel tales and explains how they inspire her jewelry making. It's like taking a wonderful mini-vacation to read her posts. Wen she invited me to help celebrate her blogoversary with her, I was thrilled to say yes.
Five of us received a custom-made component from Jana at Happy Fish in the Czech Republic (see? One exotic location involved). Along with that we got some complimentary beads and some sari silk from Darn Good Yarn, a company that employs and economically empowers women in Nepal and India. Another pair of exotic locales.
My beautiful soft denim blue component arrived, and for some reason it made me think of both something from the African continent, and of a figure in a Marc Chagall painting. I tried mightily to find beads to echo the Chagall idea, but couldn't find anything right. But what I did find in my stash was some antique Ghanaian brass beads that were a perfect expression of the African inspiration. Here's what came of the pairing:
The focal bail is a simple beadwoven strip made from the seed beads Cynthia included. I added blue-dyed sponge coral, copper gear shaped discs, some rutilated honey quartz, a chunk of white turquoise, the Ghanaian brass, lovely moonstone rounds that Cynthia also provided, and some beaded beads that also include the seed beads from Cynthia.
Here's a closeup of the non-pendant section:
The only thing I couldn't use was the sari silk, but it will be showing up in another challenge reveal in a few days, so stay tuned!
Thank you, Cynthia, for letting me share in the celebration of the joy you bring to us with your blog! The other participants are below. Now I'm going to go find a slice of blogoversary cake to eat in honor of Cynthia!
Janet Bocciardi Honey from the Bee
Christine Altmiller One Kiss Creations
Bobbie Rafferty Beadsong (you are here!)
Therese Frank Therese's Treasures
Alicia Marinache All the Pretty Things
Cynthia Machata Antiquity Travelers
12 comments:
LOL - please send me some blogoversary cake too, I am in dire need :)
Seriously though - that's an amazing piece! I love how you combined so many elements in a somewhat rustic, but still very elegant piece! Great job ~ love your piece.
Hi Bobbie,
Wow your necklace is gorgeous I love all the different rustic feeling components you used in your piece. I love those beaded beads. I am going to have to try the net stitch with twins. Gorgeous job!
Therese
That's so pretty! Love the softness in the colors and your netted beads. It's interesting that I've ckd 2 other blogs and we've each been inspired by ancient cultures.
Blue - my favorite color! And denim blue - swoon! Those beaded beads are just awesome and the perfect component piece - although those scrolled brass beads are pretty cool! This is really beautiful!
Bobbie~this piece is very exotic and beautiful! All the beads in the necklace go together so well, like they were sitting around waiting for the focal to show up to the party. I really adore those beaded beads you made! The weaving gives the beads some dimension and softness. The antique brass really pulls the whole piece together. I can absolutely see Chagall now that you mention it!
This piece is absolutely fantastic Bobbie! it is a work of art ... and now I'm going to be hunting for Chagall as inspiration! I love how you incorporated the colors, but in a style that is so you! the beaded beads are fantastic, and the stones and that Ghanaian brass ... wowza! LOVE it! This has so much warmth to it with your color choices ... it really is just beautiful.
Thank you so much for joining my hop Bobbie! I have loved getting to know you and look forward to reading your posts! and so jealous that you met Therese, and that she met you! We need to get this gang of 6 together ... how much fun would that be?!
Wow .. that's just gorgeous. I love those brass beads and they work so well here. Your netted beads are awesome. You really captured the feel of the pendant.
Can't tell you how much I love this piece!!! The sponge coral and honey quartz combined with those fantastic beaded beads and Jana's focal - mesmerizing! Well done!!!
You have outdone yourself, that necklace is stunning. The beaded beads take it over the top.
Beautiful, beautiful piece. And, what a great way to pay tribute to Cynthia's milestone!!
You created a wonderful piece Bobbie- it all fits together perfectly.
Awesome mix of colors and textures. Love how your piece turned out.
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