Our wonderful sponsors for the June Monthly Challenge.
We will have 2 lucky winners this month.
Barbara Bechtel of Second Surf specializes in handmade polymer clay beads and original one of a kind jewelry using these beads. I began making beads inspired by tribal fetish beads and Japanese Netsuke.
Barbara is highly interested in the history of traditional folk arts and the intrinsic value of making things by hand using the skills and techniques that were historically used. She seeks to combine traditional methods with contemporary materials to offer pieces in a new and fresh face.
She uses vintage, repurposed, and upcycled findings as much as possible in the creation of her pieces. Most, if not all of the accent beads in her pieces are made from old jewelry. I value the time, consideration, and uniqueness of each piece that she makes. The best part about buying something handmade is knowing that you will own the only one in the whole world!
Barbara is donating a $50 gift certificate to be used in her WebShop.
: : :
B’Sue Boutiques is a supply store boutique that specializes in American made brass stampings with unique finishes.
The pearl beaded brooch with the large central blister pearl is Miriam Haskell on Russian Goldplated filigree, much like we carry at B’sue Boutiques to this day.
The flower sprig brooch is tremblant, meaning the blossoms are on little springs and they wiggle slightly. This is made in the 50’s and signed Hattie Carnegie. Even the flowers on the little earrings wiggle. Tremblant brooches were very popular 30’s-50’s and widely collected today.
The corsage brooch and matching cluster earrings are made by me, B’sue. The ‘armature’ or base, of the piece, is made of Russian Goldplated brass that is wired together to make the bracelet. The back of it is ‘faced’ so it will be smooth on the wrist. Everything on this piece is wired onto the filigree in the Haskell style with 28 ga goldplated wire. The only thing glued is the pearls into the center of the vintage cold-paint enamel flowers. Today, we sell many similar flower findings that can be painted or patina’d in many various ways.
The pearl beaded brooch with the large central blister pearl is Miriam Haskell on Russian Goldplated filigree, much like we carry at B’sue Boutiques to this day.
The flower sprig brooch is tremblant, meaning the blossoms are on little springs and they wiggle slightly. This is made in the 50’s and signed Hattie Carnegie. Even the flowers on the little earrings wiggle. Tremblant brooches were very popular 30’s-50’s and widely collected today.
The corsage brooch and matching cluster earrings are made by me, B’sue. The ‘armature’ or base, of the piece, is made of Russian Goldplated brass that is wired together to make the bracelet. The back of it is ‘faced’ so it will be smooth on the wrist. Everything on this piece is wired onto the filigree in the Haskell style with 28 ga goldplated wire. The only thing glued is the pearls into the center of the vintage cold-paint enamel flowers. Today, we sell many similar flower findings that can be painted or patina’d in many various ways.
B’Sue is donating a $50 gift certificate to be used on her website.
Nighthawks by Edward Hopper has with many different elements that can be used for inspiration angles, people, red, yellow, green, street, darkness or night, mystery and the play of light.
We can’t wait to see where your creativity takes you with the art for this months challenge!
Please remember to put JUNE ABS in the title or tag of your submission(s).
Provide us with the artist of the Art Beads used and we always love to know all the materials you used.
Art Beads MUST be used in your entry.
Art Beads MUST be used in your entry.
Sharyl
June 5, 2012 at 4:41 pmWhat great gifts! The polymer beads are so colorful and fun. Wouldn't it be a pleasure to design with those?
And B'Sue Boutiques… I've been watching all the videos from there lately and learning so much! Will need to place an order soon!
Also, must say when I saw this month's photo, I IMMEDIATELY started planning my design! What an inspirational piece. I know there will be lots of diverse designs for this month's challenge. As always, can hardly wait!
Tania Tebbit
June 6, 2012 at 4:15 amI really like the polymer clay beads from Barbara at Second Surf, when I first saw them I thought they where carved from wood – love the texture and colour
web design
June 9, 2012 at 7:19 amGreat designs! I love these items! I will visit and check Barbara's web shop. Thanks for this information.