My "Battle of the Beadsmith" Entry

This beadwork consumed my beading time for a few months, although sadly it was mostly because I couldn't figure out how to do what I wanted to do! I wasted a lot of time sitting and thinking instead of doing, which was a problem considering there was a time limit for getting it done.

This was my entry for the "Battle of the Beadsmith" Facebook competition, and I have to say that my original design was much more elaborate than the finished design. It's one of those necklaces that looks much better on than lying flat.

My piece is named "Helios Wept". I feel that the gold and blue beads and cabochons are reminiscent of a Greek summer, or at least, the photos I have seen of Greek summers! The teardrop shaped fancy stone of course makes one think of tears. The eventual shape of the central pendant makes me think a little of a mask. And Helios was the Greek god of the sun.

Anyway, I had had these heliotrope Swarovski crystals hanging around for several years, awaiting inspiration. I was delighted to have an opportunity to pull them out and make something with them. Confining myself to dull gold and bright blue made for an interesting design process, and I love how they go together. It was very satisfying to use of my stash of beads, although I still have heaps left - more than enough for another blue and gold project! I really love the heliotrope crystals, with their dash of purple. I have a heliotrope bush in my garden and the purple is definitely the same.

What did I learn from this project?

You can't do multi-stranded necklaces without a dress form. I tried using a jewelry bust, but of course it doesn't have shoulders. I won't try anything like this again until I can get a dressmaker's dummy. This was why I couldn't get my original idea to work - I just couldn't get the strands and the other feature jewels to sit properly.

If you're going to enter a competition like this, get your beadwork finished in time to get decent photos done. I was late finishing and had to send in snaps which were taken with my camera phone. Because I don't know how to use photoshop, the photos looked a bit drab and shadowy. Many of the other entrants went to great lengths to have professional photo shoots done. Some even hired models and made elaborate costumes to complement the beadwork. I personally thought it was a bit over the top, especially considering there's no prize money involved, but I suppose if you want to make a name for yourself as a bead artist, this is a good way to do that. My drab little photos attracted no attention, and I was voted out in the first round. Such is life ...

Simple but effective

Sometimes a simple beading project can be very effective - it all depends on the colour choices and the quality of the finish. This little pin was actually made as a class sample. I taught the class at a monthly meeting for the Melbourne branch of the Bead Society of Victoria. The aim was to teach a simple bezelling technique and basic bead embroidery.

The central cabochon is African opal. I really like the mix of colours in the stone, especially the aqua blue. There are three rounds of graduated sized beads around the cab, and then a beaded border. This kind of project can be completed in a few hours, so it makes a great gift.

The back of the pin is faced with blue ultrasuede. The pin is actually a combined pin and bail, which I purchased from Kay's Artycles. It's a great idea, as it allows the owner to choose how to wear it. The simple design would be just as pretty on a necklace as it is as a brooch.

What did I learn from this project?

Firstly, the importance of taking good photos, as I used those for the class instructions.

Secondly, the need for a good description of requirements. One of my students - a beginner beader - took the requirements list to Spotlight ( a craft/home wares store) and of course the staff there had no idea what 15o seed beads were!

Next, it was a good lesson in colour theory, as I had to make up a few kits, and that was fun - trying to find beads that work together with the cabochons. I also found that I personally really like having an inner ring of metallic beads. For some reason that seems to be a nice finish to the project to me.

I enjoyed teaching this class, and most of my students finished their pin at some point over the next few months, so I guess they enjoyed themselves. My next class is going to be in herringbone techniques, which will be interesting. I'll have to get stuck into my class sample soon.