Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Bead Swap

Several months ago, I joined a Bead Swap with my some of my online Diva pals. The intent was for each person to make a bead between 1/2 inch and 1 1/4 inches. After the beads were exchanged, we were to connect them to a chain.

Each person was to make a bead that represented themselves so that when we looked at our collection of beads, we would be reminded of the artist who made the bead.

I never realized how hard it would be to represent myself as a bead. I am not exactly sure this bead epitomizes me since I'm not round and sparkly, nor am I golden, but this is what my muse dictated that I create.I crocheted my beads using several strands of gold embroidery thread. When the bead was almost completed, I stuffed it with batting and then finished off the bottom of the bead. The hardest part was getting the wire through the batting in order to make the wire wraps on each end. Then I glued seed beads on to the surface.

I tried sewing on the beads, but it was very tedious. I found that gluing the beads on with Diamond Glaze worked perfectly and was much faster.

This afternoon, I strung the beads on a chain. It makes a lovely necklace, but probably unwearable due to the weight of the beads.

Therefore, I decided to leave my chain long and to hang it between the windows in my studio. Now whenever I'm working on my computer or working on a project, all I have to do is look up and I'll be reminded of some of the nicest people I know.

One of the nicest things about this location for the chain is that it is the first thing I see when I walk into my studio.

10 comments:

  1. How cool Judy, I love it! Very clever.

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  2. A great location for a great piece of jewelry.

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  3. now that's a cool idea Judy! I may do that with mine! This was a terrific swap!

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  4. I love where you have hung these!!!!! They look so awesome!!!!!

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  5. First of all, I love how you displayed your own beads in the stemmed glass - what a lovely photo! And I am impressed how quickly you got all of your beads strung together - they look awesome! And I love how you have displayed them - a unique and cool idea! I hope my beads will be waiting on me when I return home this weekend - can't wait to see them all in person!

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  6. They look awesome strung like that and that is a great idea to put them between the windows!

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  7. Creative Girl! I was wondering how to display my beads where I could see them all the time! That's why I hang out with yall- you are so clever! Lovely!

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  8. I really like your beads and the whole idea of a bead exchange- such talent!
    eBeth

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  9. Love your beads. I too am taking all kinds of pictures for DJ's on-line class

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  10. Simply beautiful and I am SURE I have gold thread and mini beads here somewhere in the caverns of my room. Back amongst the arting and blogging and wanted to stop by and see you! Hugs from Sweden! Gina

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