This is a piece I just finished for an Australian competition (the creative challenge category of the Swarovski competition organised by Crystal Park and the Creative Beading Magazine). The rule of this particular category is that the entrants can use only up to 200 Swarovski bicone beads to make a piece, and no other shapes/beads are allowed. I made the leaves and the base of the posy with bronze clay, and assembled the whole piece with wire. The image I have in mind is that of a beautiful fairy wearing this necklace and a shimmering purple dress, walking slowly in a deep, moonlit forest. Initially I had problems picking a name for this piece, and the moon theme was suggested to me by a lovely beady friend Beverly Jane. I have an idea for another piece for the open category of the competition, but it's rather elaborate and I won't have enough time to do it, hence I'm saving the idea for next year. Anyhow, hope you like. (Please click on the pictures if you would like a larger view.)PS: I've just found out before I went on holiday a couple of weeks ago that this piece has won first prize in the Creative Challenge Category of this year's Swarovski competition (please see above for details). A picture of it and a little write up about me have been published in the January 2011 issue of Creative Beading magazine. I'm so excited!!!
I saw your design a few minutes ago on the Beading Forum and immediatly I was in love!! BEAUTIFUL!!
ReplyDeleteThe combination of purple and bronze...I love bronze! Good luck with the competition :)
Best wishes,
Jorna
the Netherlands
Thanks Jorna. Yes I love playing with bronze clay. The colours are so rich, and it gives an antique feel to the piece, which I really like. It's a very nice medium to work with. Anyhow, thanks again for your comments! :)
ReplyDeleteWow! This is gorgeous. I am just curious as to how comfortable to wear it is though. I have a short neck so I tend to think of silly little things like that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, Shaiha. The necklace has an extension chain at the back so one can adjust it to suit one's size. It's more comfortable to wear it a little lower, but it's more stunning I think to wear it shorter. That said, however, it's unlikely that I'll wear it much as the design is rather "out there" (although not very elaborate), and I probably won't have many occasions to wear it.
ReplyDeleteOh my Caroline buddy,
ReplyDeleteyou grow more talented each time I look. I swear you must be sleeping on some magical talent seed that seeps into your very bones.
Truly beautiful and so romantic. I can see the Moonlight fairy by the glow of the moon, in her shimmering opalescent gown.
Love the colors and love love love your clay work.
I have been facebooking about you again buddy :) If you are not on facebook, then I have to bring your works there to share!!! Hope that is ok by you? Hugs, Hel
ReplyDeleteHello Hel buddy, thanks for your lovely comments - you're so sweet and kind. :) Thank you also for showing my work on Facebook. I really appreciate you doing that (and I really should join FB soon). Hope you have recovered from your recent illness. Talk later, buddy.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS Caroline on winning 1st place in the Creative Division for your beautiful, unique and delicate necklace. The design, colours and materials all contribute to a very special piece. YAY!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mel. Yes I was chuffed about it. Congrats to you and your boys too for all your achievements in the competition. YAY to you all too! :)
ReplyDeleteyes , very beautiful and so romantic
ReplyDeleteThank you, coco006. :)
ReplyDelete