I have not yet started going through my stash of things that might work for this month’s challenge, but chances are I will need a little retail therapy to get me going. Sometimes the right bead, pendant, charm or component is not apparent in my stash. I thought that I would share a few things that I found online to inspire you, too!
First, if you are in the mood to win an art bead that was created specifically with this month’s challenge in mind, head over to Jeannie’s blog to sign up. Winner will get this lovely little birdie pendant and some coordinating beads. But hurry! The deadline to enter is Thursday, April 14th! Just go leave a comment! Easy-peasy!
But even if you don’t win, you can still snap up some great beads, pendants, charms and findings that suit the Finches and Bamboo theme perfectly.
Look at this cute little Zen Leaf charm from Beth Hemmila of Hint Jewelry! Her charms delight me as much as the thought she puts into describing them. Beth writes of this one, “Wear Zen Leaf to bring awareness to purpose and transformation. Leaves grow, nourish life, gradually decay, and quietly float down to earth. Their life may be short, but its glorious transformation and honorable existence reminds us to continually celebrate life and all its seasons.” I couldn’t have said it better myself!
The soft earthy tones in this ceramic pendant from ClayDesignsbyGlee would look lovely with some silk ribbon and tiny mint green glass beads, don’t you think?
I found a new-to-me Etsy seller with beautiful silver charms. I love the highly detailed and polished pendants, charms and finished jewelry in this shop. This one references the painting this month spot on and is called New Day. Check out SilverWishes for more lovelies!
Ooh! I so want this set of carved polymer clay beads from Floridity! I love their rich golden and rust color that would perfectly complement the colors in this month’s painting.
This “Remembrance” leaf pendant from BlockPartyPress – in any of the three available colors of green, rust red or mustard – really works well with this painting. I love the hand carved original stamps that she uses to create these whimsical looks. While you are browsing her Etsy shop, I am certain you will find other things to love. She is one of my new Etsy crushes.
Ooh pretty! Decorated head pins are all the rage these days. Check out these beauties:
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| Green and amber colored glass headpins from SueBeads on Etsy |
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| Fancy raku leaf head pins from HavanaBeads on Etsy |
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| Love these brass leaf head pins from WickelyWired on Etsy |
I am thinking that some jade beads are in order here to go with the restful zen feel of this painting and the minty green leaves. How about this selection?
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| Carved melon jade from BeadFrenz on Etsy |
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| Carved jade leaves! Also from BeadFrenZ on Etsy |
And how about some bead caps to go with those totally awesome jade beads? I found these heat patinaed and chiseled bead caps that reminded me of the bamboo branches at HigherChakraSupply.
And of course, you need the perfect clasp. I just so happened upon one in Mary Harding’s shop in rich tones of orange and plum with the cutest little branch toggle. Sweet!
Now I have no excuse but to go out and create something awesome for this month’s challenge. And don’t forget to post your link to your blog entry in the comments of this post. That will help me when I put together the ABS Challenge blog hop for April 29th (deadline is April 28th)!
My Life Under the Bus
April 14, 2011 at 12:49 pmOh my I just squealed at all that birdy goodness!!!
Pearl and Pebble
April 14, 2011 at 1:33 pmwhat and awesome selection- I love those carved jade beads! glorious spring color for sure. this is a wonderful monthly challenge. spring robins are such a lovely sight especially for those of us who live in a colder climate. thanks for shopping for us Erin:)
Kristi Bowman
April 14, 2011 at 4:26 pmI used some of HavanaBeads gorgeous leaf head pins in my design, they were perfect! Lots of beautiful items that would work great in any creation!
JeannieK
April 14, 2011 at 5:24 pmThank you Erin for taking the time to find such treasures for the challenge and posting about my pendant give away. I will be doing that every month.
These posts are really helpful. I think sometimes the hardest part for a challenge is where to start. This is a great start!
hint
April 14, 2011 at 7:45 pmThanks Erin for including Hint in your musings! These are all so beautiful. That clasp is so rich and I love those tiny glass head pins from Havana beads. It would be hard to choose from among these 🙂
Gerry
April 14, 2011 at 8:56 pmThis is an awesome post!!! This should motivate everyone that sees it to create, create, create!!!
Thank you for including my ceramic "Bird on a Branch" pendant and for showing everyones talents in all of the pendants and beads. Gotta go and check out these new pieces out.
maryharding
April 14, 2011 at 9:27 pmWhat a gorgeous array of colors and finely crafted beads. Your choices are so fine–many from artists and shops I didn't know. I am pleased to be one of your picks. Thank you so much Erin.
MalinkaZ
April 14, 2011 at 11:22 pmJust amazing items and I am tickled to be chosen amongst them. BeadFrenZ
Marian Hertzog
April 15, 2011 at 12:26 pmWow! Very inspiring finds! I might have to try this month's challenge now! Thanks for sharing these finds.
Off the Beadin' Path
April 16, 2011 at 8:50 pm"Retail therapy"! That makes shopping healthy and good for you, right?! You must be very healthy because your selections are unique and fit the theme so well. Nice little shopping bag, thank you for the research, I knoooow, someone had to do it!
fishyfacedesigns
April 19, 2011 at 11:08 pmBeautiful, simply beautiful. Thank you for sharing