July 2014 ABS Challenge Creation

Wow..has it really been almost 2 weeks since I've posted?   Well, let's get caught up, right away!

I just posted my inspiration piece to Artbeadscene for their July 2014 Challenge.  This will always be a thrill for me!

At first, I thought to use a very appropriate sea-green or aqua color pallette to compliment The Little Mermaid artwork (by Edmund Dulac)..but things just didn't seem to jive for me...ugh, these were beads I had been chomping-at-the-bit-all-week to use (does anyone else know that feeling?!).  My first selection was not meant to be for this particular project...back to the beady drawing board.

Ultimately, the goldens/topaz, deep cool purples and a bit of sage green were my inspiration and everything just clicked..happy happy :)

This artwork connector is from Pajego Art House at Etsy.  It was lovingly stored in my stash, just waiting for the right inspiration.  It is a fabulous creation meant to resemble an urchin tidepool.  Also, this beautifully-shaped vintage Lucite Topaz shell bead from beadsellergirl at Etsy, was stored-away in my 'favorites' collection.  The ABS Team and Heather Powers have a great way of getting us to make sure all of these lovely items are seen, not stored!

The Antique silver shell dangle chain, Swarovski bi-cone crystals in Satin Tanzanite, plus a variety of silver/sterling sea themed charms found their way onto my beadmat.  It's so hard to find a demure mermaid?, but I was successful.  To find out more about why there is a 'bone charm' on this bracelet..take a closer peek a the artwork..you will see why!  I've wanted to use a bunch of Farfelle seed beads in a design..and this was it.  It seemed wise to add a real pearl, too?

Ok..so up next are:
1.  ArtJewelryElements Component of the Month Challenge Reveal on July 31 - I just received some excellent beads to go with this from Marie at beadbrats/Etsy.  'Creation' begins this weekend.
2.  Haberdashery Hop Reveal on August 2 (my pieces are done and photos are ready!)
3.  I just found out I was accepted to the Resin Crafts Klik Collaborative Challenge which will be revealed towards the end of August!

Whoo hoo and see you soon!
Carol