Summer Color Surprise blog hop: the reveal

Hello and welcome to the 'Summer Color Surprise' blog hop, hosted by Lisa of A Grateful Artist.

Lisa came up with a neat system: she creates surprise packages and sends them away to the participants - and so far I loved each one I've participated in (even the very first one, which proved to be a true emotional / mental challenge, but which in the end I loved to pieces!)

The summer has been crazy and I barely set foot in the studio - so when I went to grab her package... I found this:

I have a confession to make: I believe I switched the packages for the Summer Color Surprise and her Seasons blog hop... If you recall, my 'Seasons' package contained gorgeous lavender colours, all summer and happy! and all one colour :) This package contains 2 colours, neither representing summer...

But - since they are both from Lisa, I hope she'll forgive me!

I brought the beads downstairs (it's still too messy in the attic) and I stared at them for a little bit. Mixed and matched them, re-mixed and matched them until an idea formed... actually 2 ideas:

I definitely need better pictures of the first pendant - I'll have to add probably leather to finish it - and then at least I'll be able to drape it on a neck-form. Until then - you'll get the concept: wire, wire, and more wire :) Each heart is 'strung' on a wire that's been hammered down to act as a natural end, a bead-stop, (on the central component) a spiral, and another bead on wire. The 3 components are then 'strung' together with some of the tubes, and some of the wood beads on 2 wires twisted together (to create a more heavy support wire).

It looks like my original intention, doesn't it? I was quite happy with the result, so I moved onto the main piece.

Isn't it lovely when the muse is home and helping? The next focal almost created itself - I had this idea of using a 2-level combination, for a more interesting look. Originally I thought the top part will be a straight wire - however, when I added the main component and the glass beads - they would simply not stay put, the main components begged for a more comfortable setting. I had to listen :)

At this point I have to admit I was so pretty-pleased with myself, I was ready to wear it! But it needed a chain and it had to be special and matching. First I created the beaded components (with the ceramic 'tubes'). Then I had to put it down for the night and come back next evening - trying to figure out the links in between. I had limited wire widths to work with (20 ga and 24 ga in round, and 21 in square) and no matter what I thought of, I knew it won't keep everything together: I needed some sort of a wrapped link.

Out came the jig (I *must* get myself a good one, really started to hate the cheap plastic one!) and the infinity links where born (I am not happy with the middle part, where wires are wrapped... but it will have to live this way, it is a messy wrap 'by design' :) )

The 'hook' is made of the twisted square wire, and beaded too, to blend in nicely.

 And a view of both pieces:

I can proudly announce I used *only* beads from Lisa! All I added was the wire (antique bronze) in the above-mentioned gauges.

I can also admit that had I have used them a couple of months ago, in the Seasons' blog hop, I would have probably just wire-wrap them simply... So maybe it's fate I switched the 2 packages, because this is one of the best designs that I've created so far: I am simply in love not only with the piece itself, but with its flow, its general idea, and very proud of the multiple level focal on the necklace!

Somehow Lisa's packages just bring something new (and always the best!) out of me every time - she has the magic touch! Thank you, Lisa, it is a true pleasure to be invited to your virtual parties.

Thank you for stopping by - and please make sure you visit all the other participants. It promises to be a nice summer day (with some early hints of autumn, sorry!)

Your Hostess: Lisa Lodge, A Grateful Artist

Chris Eisenberg, Wander Ware
Audrey Belanger, Dreams of an Absolution
Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
Melissa Trudinger, Bead Recipes
Monique Urquhart, A Half-Baked Notion
Beti Horvath, Stringing Fool
Charlene Bausinger Jacka, Clay Space
Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog
Renetha Williams Stanziano, Lamplight Crafts
Leah Mifflin Tees, My Beady Little Eyes
Kathy Zeigler Lindemer, Bay Moon Design
Toltec Jewels, Toltec Jewels for Jewel School Friends
Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things <- you are here
Laurie Vyselaar, Lefthand Jewelry
Eleanor Burian-Mohr, The Charmed Life
Julie Lockhart, Copar Aingeal
Dolores Rami, CraftyD's Creations
Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
Mowse Doyle, Mowse Made This
Veralynne Malone, Designed by Vera
Candida Elkins Castleberry, Spun Sugar Beadworks
Shaiha Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
Christie Searle Murrow, Charis Designs Jewelry
Andrea Glick-Zenith, ZenithJade Creations