I don't like to publish pictures of pieces before the contest (ruins the surprise!), so I will show you the one that was NOT accepted. I titled it "Guardians". Those of you that are FB friends have been watching this one take shape for quite some time.
This is actually a piece that a customer of mine commissioned. She had a really big and heavy smoky quartz crystal point that she wanted included in the piece. She also wanted these 2 big wooden dragon earrings. (yes, they are earrings!) to be a part of it . I wasn't sure it would all work out.
Let me explain the earrings: The main part of the dragon went behind the ear, then the tail was a separate piece that attached on the front and held the earring on. Here is a picture of the piece when I was working on it, without these upper tails attached.
One other small problem- one of the tails was missing!! I ended up making a tail to match from polymer clay!! It's the one on the left:
Although these dragons are glued on, I decided they should be reinforced and "tethered" them with beading. I also built up the beading underneath in those places to support them better. I also beaded around the top and bottom of the crystal to give it extra support.
So that's the story about how this came about. My customer has not seen it yet- she loves big intricate work, so I hope she likes it! Here are the pictures of the finished piece:
the clasp |
And just a peek at the piece that was accepted as a finalist:
OMG, this is so fabulous!! You are so talented. I have 3 great role-models: You, Sherry Serafini and Heidi Kumli. Gosh, I hope one day I will be able to make anything as beautiful as this.
ReplyDeleteOh my, what a nice compliment!! Thank you! I so admire the work of those 2 ladies, and am honored that you would include me with them.
DeleteThis necklace is beautiful...can't wait to see the other one. Way to go and contrats.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much PAS!
DeleteCongratulations, very nice!
ReplyDeleteThank you Bobe!
DeleteThis didn't make it to the FINAL?!! this is a truly stunning piece, I can't wait to see the other one, if this piece is anything to go by, that one will be out of this world
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynsey! I actually don't know which one I like better- I guess it all depends on the judges what gets in!
DeleteCongrats!
ReplyDeleteBut how beautiful is the other, if this one did not make it... I can´t wait to see...
Thank you! You will see it soon!
DeleteCongratulations, both items are stunning :)
ReplyDeleteGreetings,
-Eva Maria
Thank you Eva Maria!
DeleteWOW Betty! I love BOTH!!! You are just such an amazing artist, you inspire me to move and bead outside of the box - thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with me.
ReplyDeleteBeading love all the way from Cape Town, South Africa
Connie Prinsloo