Friday 9 May 2014

Bead soup Blog Party~ The Big Reveal

The 8th Bead Soup Blog Party shows you what happens when jewelry designers swap their stash.

Thank you LORI ANDERSON for hosting this blog party! This is the first time that I participate in the Bead Soup Blog Party. I've loved it every inch of the way!
Participants from all over the world were paired up and they sent each other "soup ingredients"~any beads, findings, elements they chose. The only mandatory items were a focal and an art clasp.
Once you receive your "soup" you let things simmer and unfold on the Reveal Date.
This is the day I've been waiting for!

 This party is designed to challenge you and help you to grow as a designer and maker.  From the word "Go" that's exactly what it has done for me.  From the selection of beads and the making of the pieces I wanted to include in my partner's soup.  Whenever I do a swap I always worry whether my partner will like what I send.  People have such varied tastes and styles, it can sometimes be a little intimidating. 


My partner is Regina Santerre of Regina's Writings and she gracefully gifted me with beautiful ingredients.
Here's a reminder of the amazing soup she sent to me.





As I mentioned in a past post there is a process I go through when I make something.  For some reason I got hung up on the idea that I needed to 'string' a necklace and try and use all the components in one piece.  Stringing is not my forte and I really wanted to do justice to that pendant.  Another handicap I have is I can't draw or envision what something will look like until I actually do a mock up. Strange, I know.  If I do have a vision I rarely end up with that as my end result.  I don't usually mind this because my biggest pleasure comes from the process itself. The only drawback to that is that it takes me a little longer sometimes to decide on my final design. So after a few false starts this is what I came up with.  It's a little out of my comfort zone but thank you Regina for making me think outside my own design box.

I had really wanted to use the clasp as a bail but it covered a little more of the dragonfly than I wanted so I switched that idea for a little button I had in my stash.







I really liked the clasp Regina sent me and wanted to highlight it, so instead of using it on the dragonfly necklace and hiding it in the back, I used it as a focal on another little beaded necklace.






Once I finished the main piece I was able to relax and play a little in my own comfort zone and this is what happened.
 



I used copper tubing to make a channel/anti-clastic  bracelet.  As much as I enjoy using pearls in unexpected ways something felt a little off with this bracelet. 
When I got word that the party was postponed I decided to see if I could give it a makeover.




 I think this works a little better.  What do you think?


I still have a work in progress to use the rest of those lovely pearls, and Vintaj links, but I ran out of time, so I'll post that as soon as it's finished.

This whole experience was a lot of fun and has really challenged me and taught me quite a bit.  I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to participate.  I can't wait to see what Regina and everyone else have come up with! Thanks for stopping by.  Please remember to stop by Regina's blog to see how she used the soup I sent her.

If you'd like to leave a comment, I'd love to hear from you.  It's super easy, no need to register or use those annoying little Capchas.

Happy Blog Hopping, everyone!


For a list of all the participants you can go to the link below.  It's right at the end of our hostess' Lori Anderson's Soup Reveal


74 comments:

  1. Great use of the lovely soup you got! The first necklace's several strands compliment the focal perfectly!

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  2. Janice your first necklace is stunning. I like the multistrand necklace also. The bracelet is truly a one of a kind and it is awesome. I agree it looks better the second time around.

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  3. All your pieces are just beautiful! I simply LOVE the second necklace - like...have to have it for myself !!! Awesome work xx Nat

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  4. WOW! your designs are gorgeous! Love them all. Your skill with wire and metal is astounding. My favorite.... hmmm.. cannot pick one, they are all so beautiful. You did a great job Janice. I am glad you had fun, in spite of the challenges you faced to get to this day. Lovely!

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  5. Your first necklace with the lovely focal.... Gorgeous!!!

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  6. Gorgeous work. Loving the tube bracelet with the pearls.

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  7. Beautiful pieces! Love how you used the clasp as the focal in the second necklace too. And I agree the makeover of the bracelet is simply stunning!
    Rachel

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  8. What a great job! The necklace is beautiful and I love the changes you made to the bracelet. Be well. ~~T

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  9. Stunning pieces. I love the details in the red necklace, and the use of the clasp in the blue one.

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  10. Wow - I love what you did with the first necklace - spectacular! Love the simplicity of the second necklace and that bracelet is to die for! I love the slight change you made to the bracelet also!

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  11. WOW!!!!!!! Very nive work,as always Janice :)

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  12. YUM!! I adore the red dragonfly necklace - that's a stunner!

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  13. Beautiful reveal. Love the necklaces but that bracelet is amazing. You were right about the pearls. The turquoise works much better. Great job!

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  14. Love the button idea for the first necklace - and the multi strands are terrific! I also love the second necklace - I am going to have to try that design sometime. The bracelet is stunning - the turquoise looks great!

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  15. Your jewelry is stunning - really like the 2nd necklace. The bracelet looks perfect with the red coral and turquoise (but that is one of my favorite color combinations)!!

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  16. I love your necklaces but that bracelet would be on my wrist every day. I love metal work, especially when it is hammered and bent into beautiful shapes.

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  17. Beautiful designs! I really love the first necklace but I am partial to dragonflies. ;) I love the bracelet...the pearl version was pretty but I really like the re-worked version...the red with the turquoise really warms and sets everything off!

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  18. I really like the first necklace because of the beautiful focal but the second necklace with its wonderful mix of colors is where your talent really shines thru. The bracelet is gorgeous and I do prefer the second incarnation.

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  19. For someone stepping out of her zone you stepped out extremely well. I am in love with each piece, the dragonfly necklace is a work of art, you did exactly the right thing in showing off the clasp and oh my oh my the final result of the bracelet is fantastic. You are amazing!

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  20. Wow - fantastic pieces! The color palette is wonderful in each. And the turquoise was the perfect addition to the bracelet!

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  21. Gorgeous work! I love each and every piece you made! Wow!

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  22. Love, love, love the colours in the first necklace. A beautiful piece indeed. And what a perfect way to showcase the pretty clasp in the second necklace. That is something I must try.

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  23. Beautiful, rich pieces, especially love the two bangles

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  24. Everything you did is glorious and I adore that copper bracelet. I did like the pearls but the red with turquoise and copper is the star!!

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  25. Love love love!! Love what you did! Totally right on the remake too, it sings now! Just beautiful! Love <3

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  26. It may have included stuff outside your comfort zone, but WOW did you rise to the challenge, Janice!

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  27. Every piece is lovely but that bracelet is WOW! Very nice use of your soup.

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  28. Oh my what a great job you did on all pieces! I must admit that I like both the pearl version but the blue barrels indeed absolutely make it pop!
    If I'd had to pick a favorite I am not even sure if I would be able to!! I adore BOTH necklaces!

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  29. You did such an amazing job with the soup

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  30. WOW! love th layered necklace style! Great bed mix. And the copper bracelet!!! Gorgeous!!

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  31. I can't decide which is my favorite! (and that's the first time I've left that comment on any BSBP post!) Great work. I love them all!

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  32. Oooh....I really like all of your pieces. That second necklace has an antique vibe to it. All of the red in the first one is kind of za za zing! I like that you enjoy the process so much. It can be the most fun part indeed.

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  33. Every piece gave my jaw a workout...absolutely stunning. First the rich bold colors of the dragonfly focal piece. Then the layered strand necklace with those beautiful colors. THEN the bracelet! love.them.all!!!

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  34. Seriously?!?! To die for!!! I'd have to say the 3 strand is my fav only because the colors that you put together are spectacular! I so love the different techniques used on each strand and the harmony coming with the color....splendid!

    Linda
    http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
    http://cherryOnTopDesign.co

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  35. All are beautiful creations. I love the first necklace, I really like the use of the button and the many strands. The bangle is extraordinary - the second looks best, in my opinion, it seems it needed a focal.
    Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment.
    Ana

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  36. extremely well coordinated beautiful, wearable pieces. How I wish I could have that bangle?? beautiful :)

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  37. Love your multistrand necklaces!! Specially the first one!
    Alenka

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  38. Beautiful pieces - each of them!! Your multi-strand necklace with asymmetry is so well done.

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  39. Wow! What beautiful, beautiful pieces! I cannot seem to pick a favorite between both of the necklaces--I would definitely wear them both! The balance is wonderful... For thinking outside of your box, you did a fantastic job!

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  40. You got a really tasty soup and you certainly did the dragonfly focal justice. That necklace is stunning. And I love the beaded one with the pretty clasp off to the side. I'd say you did a great job of stringing!

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  41. Gorgeous necklaces, that red is so stunning. Love the bracelet to particularly when you changed out the white beads. Awesome job on everything.

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  42. Hi! Thanks for stopping by and following my blog - I have added your name to the giveaway hat :-)
    You received a gorgeous soup there and made some really stunning pieces with it too :-) I bet you can't wait to wear them!

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  43. Love the layer look of the first necklace (and that it is red!) and the asymmetry of the second.

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  44. Holy cow wow these creations are perfect in every way...They should be in beading mags and books...I love them all can you tell...lol...okay well off to hop ty for sharing

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  45. multistrand necklaces-amazing, but tube bracelet-absolutely inventive!!!!

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  46. I love everything you've made! The tube bracelet (yum!) and both multi strand necklaces, the focal is beautiful and the asymmetrical beaded chain, gorgeous!

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  47. I really really really like your multistrand necklaces, but I love the bracelet - I don't think I ever saw one like it, I can't figure out how the beads stay in place :D

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  48. What wonderful pieces! I'm a sucker for dragonflies, but I really like the color combination on the first necklace as well. Beautiful. The next necklace, with the clasp, is such a lovely use of both the clasp and the beads. And that bracelet is phenomenal. I liked the first version well enough, but the addition of the blue beads really makes it pop!

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  49. Wow I loved how you used the focal and the way you brought in those beautiful red beads. The second necklace I love how you have the clasp used so well and different layers on one side. But that bracelet it really off the hook. I like the finished one better, you were right!

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  50. Three very beautiful pieces! I love the multi-strand necklace, and yes I like the turquoise better in the bracelet. It's more fitting than the pearls, with the reds and copper.

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  51. Love them all. Such rich,intense color combos. The first necklace is hugely amazing. Lovely,lovely work!

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  52. Hi Janice, thank you so much for visiting my web site and the nice comment.
    I love what you have made with your soup but especially the gorgeous red with dragonflies necklace its so special.
    Jackie

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  53. Oh Janice, my goodness! Your metalwork is ahhh-mazing and I love that channel bracelet BOTH ways; but yes, I think I like the complements of the turquoise/orangey red (one of my fave combinations) a wee bit better. Love both of your necklaces as well, and had to laugh at your description of your process...you are me!

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  54. Love what you made. I'm a dragonfly fan, and the necklace you made with the focal really shows it off. I have to say that the second necklace is my favorite though, the way it lays is beautiful and the flower clasp pulls it together perfectly.

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  55. Love both necklaces especially the combination with the red stands in the first one and the assymetric design in the second. But your bracelets are heavenly! My little favourite is the second one too.

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  56. Can't pick a favorite. The dragonfly necklace is gorgeous! And I absolutely love the copper cuff with turquoise and coral. My favorite combination.

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  57. I love what you did with your bead soup! I love the bracelet the most !!!

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  58. I love all of your creations with the bead soup. Very pretty and unique. The copper bracelet is my fave.......stunning!

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  59. Well, I saw your first necklace and fell in love with it....then saw your second and fell in love with that one too!! Both beautiful and you'd never know you were out of your comfort zone :) And for your bracelet...oh my!! just gorgeous! Great Soup!

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  60. The first necklace is gorgeous and has a very interesting bail construction. Love the second one - the choice of beads, the way you used the clasp, everything! I definitely like the second bracelet - that color combo is unbeatable but also the pearls seemed a little too small. Your design process is very similar to mine - I rarely envision my creations and if I do, I'm often wrong about the end result and I can't draw a picture but usually write a description of the piece and process that often ends up in the trash because I can't understand it later :)

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  61. I love all your pieces, especially the bracelet.

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  62. What an awesome bale for that beautiful dragonfly pendant! It is just so perfect! And I really like the way you showcased that clasp! Very nice!

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  63. Love your designs on both necklaces and your finished bracelet. I love layers and asymmetry and balance and texture and movement. You managed to hit them all!! Great Job!!! Have a Blessed day!!!

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  64. Wow...love the red necklace...very Victorian to me! and I think the turquoise really did add to the bracelet! Excellent job! I tip my Chef hat off to you!

    veradesigns.blogspot.com

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  65. wow. That dragonfly focal is just......splendid.and you highlighted the subtle reds without washing it out. that second drape necklace is great and I've never seen a bracelet like that.......I'm amazed

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  66. OMG! I love your pieces and how you put the colors together! My fav is the black, red & copper necklace. Love the layers and overall design. You tied the focal in fabulously! They are all so elegant. Great job!

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  67. Beautiful pieces! Love the way you layered the dragonfly necklace! It was a lovely showcase of that gorgeous pendant. Those channel set copper bracelet were fantastic too:)

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  68. I love all of your pieces Janice. I don't sketch either - I usually have to make a mock-up too. I need to see the colors and shapes together. The bracelet is awesome. The turquoise in the second make it pop.

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  69. Beautiful use of colour! And, I love, love, LOVE the finished copper channel bracelet! Gorgeous!

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  70. Wow, I was in awe when I saw the mega multistrand necklace. Then when I got to the copper bracelet. Wowza!

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  71. Oh goodness! I adore ALL of the pieces you made and there is no way I could pic a favorite. The way you worked with that focal is inspiring and the layers of beads in both of your necklace is dainty, feminine, and lovely. As for your bracelet. Wow, your skills are enviable. Amazing!

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  72. Hi Janice. I finally got to your bead soup blog ( only 6 months later!) I really came to see you hammer tutorial which is awesome! Love the 3 pieces you made for BSBP. Very imaginative, pretty and so wearable! I can't believe how gorgeous the copper bracelet is! I like both versions but for myself I would stick to the first one with the pearls. Classy work!

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  73. HaHa! I just read the comments and saw that I was here before in May. Just shows you how overwhelmed I was at the time. So many blogs....so little time! Anyway my opinions of your work haven't changed. I can't believe you don't sell your work...it's fab! Of course selling involves marketing which is a drag!

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  74. LOL Nan. Thank you for the kind words...again. ;) I do hope you try the hammers, it's a lot of fun and I'm so happy with how well they work. Some of the patterns are just gorgeous on metal.
    You're right marketing it's almost a full time job in itself.

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