Blossoms...

As I mentioned previously, I have 3 upcoming shows in October...the 1st one is less than 2 weeks away.  I have been working daily on new items, but have been actually finishing things pretty slowly. What is it about having a deadline like a show, that makes me think of all these cool new things I want to try, knowing full well I don't have time to do that! I have been trying to incorporate some new twists in some of my old favorites, though. 

Here are a few that I got shots of yesterday afternoon...man, the autumn light is already different!

borosilicate by Lori Robbins, garnet, Hill Tribe silver flowers

Aren't these borosilicate beads by Lori Robbins just drool-worthy?  The colors are soooo yummy!

borosilicate lampwork, swarovski and Hill Tribe silver blossoms

I have had these beads forever..the last of a set I bought on eBay ages ago.  I'm sorry I don't remember the artist.  Once I had Lori's finished, I decided I wanted to do another pair!

czech glass leaves, woven with copper wire

more czech glass, woven together with sterling, Balinese connectors

Of course, I had to create some more of my woven-wire flowers...they have sort of become a signature thing for me!  I really like how many moods/styles you can create with these.

Stay tuned for more eye-candy tomorrow :)

Art Bead Scene - June Challenge - Toulouse-Lautrec

Art Bead Scene's June challenge is based on French artist, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's painting, Marcelle Lender Dancing the Bolero in "Chilpéric"

My focus was immediately drawn to the pink flower/hat on the dancer's head, then to the pink flounce of her skirt.  Since the challenge must incorporate an art bead of some sort, I had to think of what was in my stash.
I fell in love with and purchased a set of Sue Kennedy (SueBeads) Terrazzo beads some time back, but hadn't figured out what I wanted to do with them until this challenge. These beads were perfect for this challenge, as they have many of the various colors, but are so earthy in the process.

So, lush pink flowers were woven from czech glass leaves and copper wire, then embellished with tiny faceted black onyx. Dangling below are Sue's beads, capped and embellished with enameled copper and freshwater pearls.  Handwrought sterling earwires, along with more black onyx that has been wrapped on with copper wire, finish the pair.