It's reveal time...but first a bit about the challenge...
I saw this challenge just a day or two before it closed, so I didn't really have to time to think beyond sounds fun, I love a design challenge and so I went for it! For the challenge we had to choose a region other then where we live and then pick a nation in that region to use for design inspiration...or we could choose 'surprise me' for the nation...surprise is good, right?
I chose Oceania...and was surprised with Solomon Islands. I proceeded to Google it, though I had a pretty good idea of the general information and photos I would find. Tropical, clear blue waters, green forest areas just off of sandy coastlines and many yummy colorful fish...I apologize for not sharing any of the pictures I found but illness came soon after my research began and soon it became more important to try to finish my piece then to re-search for the pictures.
I love the bright tropical colors, blues and greens are color favorites to work with so even with the sudden illness I was thinking no problem...this should be a breeze...
My first attempt...I purchased a wonderful tutorial from Shannon LeVart of
Miss Fickle Media for making a sari silk and stone bangle...so I decided to give it a try...even though I had no sari silk on hand...
I hand forged my own copper bracelet form from the instructions, not too difficult. Then on to a sari silk substitute...beautiful, hand dyed silk ribbon should do the trick and how perfect! I have some in ocean shades of blue and green. So following the tutorial I begin wrapping my ribbon with wire...I think about halfway through the wrapping I wasn't convinced but continued on hoping it would get better...not so much... I got as far as adding the bead and quit! I have since ordered some sari ribbon in sever beautiful colors because I LOVE Shannon's tutorial and would like to try again with the proper materials...wish me luck!
So now we are about a week from reveal time and I have no ideas...time to grope the bead stash and hope the magic happens...
I started with the bag goodies I have from Nan Emmett of
Spirited Earth I have recently purchased some of her beach style pendants so maybe they will 'speak' to me...and so it's the mermaid. She is not the tropical shades of blue and green. The bead bundle that 'works' with her is not either, rather they are darker greens, with coppery browns...if there is such a thing...and a bit of cranberry. Then I remember seeing just a few pictures of natives to Solomon Islands...beyond the clear blue water, sandy beaches and green forest...were the native huts made from large brown leaves and the native people in there natural colors, just a hint of red, blue or greens beads in the personal adornments. So it was decided...for better or worse...
It works for me...pendant and beads are from Nan Emmett. I used bronze chain and I am proud to say Drew, my hubby, made the beautiful, hand hammered copper ring. He has made several more which will be available soon in our supply shop,
Asbury Avenue Designs.
A close up of the beads...
and I couldn't resist a picmonkey.com collage...
or two...
I hope you will visit all of the other participants...and I hope you enjoyed your visit to my little travel spot along the way!
