Saturday, April 8, 2017

Bead Peeps Swap 'n' Hop 2017 Reveal

The day has finally arrived! This year for the Swap 'n' Hop I was paired with the extremely talented Renetha Stanziano of Lamplight Crafts. She sent me lots of goodies that were varied and also BIG. I like a challenge and large focals tend to challenge me because I don't know what to do with them. I mainly do embroidery on shibori silk ribbon, so, unless it has a flat back, I'm lost. I really liked what she sent though and had a hard time picking what to use first. Ultimately I went with a bead that had some of my color loves in it - teals and maroons. I thought I would try to make some small shibori embroidered side components to set with the focal in the middle. I ended up with the necklace below. I think the straps look a little off and awkward in this picture, but are maybe not that bad when it is on.

I also had some leftovers from what I sent Renetha that I wanted to work with. It was a challenge for me because the oranges and reds aren't colors I typically work with. I love the way it turned out though and how it reminds me of fall and the colors of the changing leaves in autumn - though right now I'm looking forward to spring! Though I love it, I put it in my Etsy shop here. I just have too many necklaces to wear them all!


Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to play with any of the other pieces Renetha sent me. I just ran out of time. This winter has been never ending - hopefully our last batch of snow for the season was last weekend when we got 14 inches. The long, dark season has really dragged me down this year and I found that I would stay away from my beads for weeks at a time - unusual for me. Next week promises warmer weather, so I'm hoping for a lot of snow melt in the yard and some inspiration to get my beading groove back. 

Take a look at what the other swappers did by following the links below. 

Linda Anderson (Hostess) http://instagram.com/cherryontopdes...
Hope Smitherman http://CraftyHope.com/

15 comments:

  1. Wowsers! They may not be colours you usually work with but your autumn necklace is a real show stopper! Gorgeous!

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  2. I'm in awe of both of these creations. The texture and colors are sublime. I see spring in both of them and love their unique-ness. Fab job with this challenge. Here's hoping it starts warming up soon!!

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  3. Katy....pardon my drool. 😉 That 2nd piece is breathtaking! I agree with your assessment of the 1st... maybe moving the straps out 1 more would help?
    Great work!
    Linda

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  4. Seeing your pieces makes me want to run out and get shibori ribbon, the stuff terrifies me but you make it look so beautiful!

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  5. Hi Katy, your shibori work is excellent. It goes really well with the focal from Renetha. To me the straps look too small for that large focal. I would add another row of stitched squares, chain, or silk ribbon to balance the size. It is beautiful though. To me the pink necklace says spring. You did a wonderful job using your swap beads.

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  6. I Love Shibori Ribbon!!! You did a great job! Beautiful colors full of texture and movement!

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  7. For someone that says she has a hard time with large focal beads you did a great job!

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  8. Holy wow. These pieces are so fun and original!

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  9. I have never worked with shibori ribbon so its Very interesting for me to see your pieces

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  10. Full of textures, colors and shapes your pieces are like little works of art.

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  11. Wow I am in awe of your work The second necklace is my fav. Well done

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  12. Your embroidery on shibori silk is so unique and the colors are beautiful! I love the cording on the second necklace as well as the offset clasp, too!

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  13. Really cool designs! I love your beaded chains!

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  14. Well congrats on making some stunning pieces especially in the depths of winter. I love how you worked the fabric and beads together.

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  15. Love the pieces you made, I like the drape of the fabric on the 2nd piece and the spiral of the necklace

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