Saturday, July 20, 2013

Bead Hoarder's Blog Hop Reveal

My friend, the talented Lori Anderson of Pretty Things has done it again. She has created a brilliant blog hop and invited all her beady friends to participate with her.  This time she came up with the idea of using all the special beads and pendants that you're too in love with to actually use...  Your special hoard of bead treasures.  For more about this particular challenge, go HERE.



Oh, my...  Am I a bead hoarder...  In fact, I'm completely unwilling to show my bead stash and storage methods because it is OUT OF CONTROL.  I still have kids who get into stuff so my beads are mostly corralled in the hall closet, but they have escaped and spilled out...  I find beads most everywhere- under the dining table.  In the couch.  In the bathroom...

I chose to work with a very special pendant my sister gave me two Christmases ago.  The pendant is a butterfly wing under glass, and I've been too in love with it to do anything.  I also felt guilty spending time on a piece for myself.  Isn't that silly? Thank you, Lori!  I don't think I would have stopped and made something for myself if you hadn't come up with this wonderful idea.

I'm delighted with the piece, but incredibly frustrated with the pictures.  Somehow I've misplaced my camera, (my girls probably 'borrowed' it again) so I used my I-Phone to take the pictures, and they are horrible. Really horrible.  The color is a little odd, and they are out of focus.  I hope I can find my camera tomorrow and replace these pictures!

On the Wing

I wrapped a wire frame for the pendant and added a pearl and a Swarovski butterfly to accent the wing. Then, I wire wrapped crystals and some of the butterfly beads I've been hoarding and turned them into a rosary style chain.  I added more chain to add space and light to the piece and also to draw the eye back down to the pendant..

On the Wing


I'm so pleased with my butterfly wing necklace.  Thank you, Lori!  

To see Lori's post and the list of participants, please go HERE.

27 comments:

Monique (A Half-Baked Notion) said...

What a beautiful necklace and so specially meaningful, Becca!

Anonymous said...

Lovely design!

Susanm said...

Very pretty necklace.

Karin said...

Lovely work! Congrats.

Donetta said...

What a sweet piece you made! Extra-special because the pendant was a gift, and also because you made something for yourself. It's lovely!

CraftyHope said...

Isn't it great to have used one of those pieces that you've wanted to for so long!? You did a great job with this. Even if the pictures aren't all that, your design is! I especially love your frame around the butterfly wing.

Anonymous said...

Oh, very pretty :)

Unknown said...

cool necklace. i like it

Perri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.com said...

Very sweet - and even more so because it carries a special place in your heart. :-)

Sharyl said...

I think it's sweet that the item you've been hoarding wasn't just a pretty bead, but a pretty pendant with extra meaning...a gift from your sister just for you! I'm so glad you took this opportunity to finish the piece into a pretty necklace you can now wear! How very special, Becca!

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

I love that this challenge caused you to create something special for yourself that included a gift from someone who loves you dearly.

https://pattimillerbeads.blogspot.com/ said...

I totally love the wrapped frame! Super necklace for the special piece your sis gave you. :o)
Patty

WindDancerStudios said...

Wings under glass are so pretty. What a wonderful choice and gift! Double blessed :)

Jo-Ann said...

I am sure your sister will be pleased to see something you wear a piece with her pendant in it. I love the wrapped circular wire frame it is a great play off the square pendant.

adlinah said...

I love that you included other butterfly beads in the necklace. I think it turned out beautifully.

Here Bead Dragons said...

Nicely done - so pretty

~cryssT

Hannah said...

Beautiful - light and airy. You should be very proud of this piece!

Jeanne @ Gems By Jeanne Marie said...

What a wonderful design for a very special pendant!

Kepi said...

So pretty, lovely design.

Unknown said...

Oh wow, that is such a special pendant ! Im sure you will treasure that necklace forever and be glad to have your treasure shown to the world !

Kim said...

It's a beautiful necklace. You should make something for yourself every once in a while.

Unknown said...

A very special piece, even more special that the focal was a gift from your sister. So nice you get to share it now.

Treasures by Louise said...

Very nice because it is special to you. You deserve to treat yourself!

Unknown said...

OMG! ou are not the only one! Also my beadstash is out of EVERY control! Hihihihi :-D
Loveyour necklace ... it's perfect with every kind of outfit!

Becky Pancake said...

Becca your necklace is great. Isn't it cool that you can now wear a memory of your sister?

Daisy Meadow Studio said...

Awwww, so sweet to be able to keep your sister so close to your heart :) I like the way the lower part drapes down then back up!

Kari Asbury said...

Very pretty! Looks lovely on you and I think it's wonderful you made something special for yourself :)