Efflorescence – My first Art bead Jewelry challenge

I have entered my designs for publications, contests and reviews so far, but I have never really made the beads or components from scratch. Being a regular reader of the Art Bead Scene blog, I was really inspired by their May Art bead Jewelry challenge to participate in it. You can read more about the challenge here. In short, they provide you with an inspiration image and you need to create jewelry inspired by the art using art beads that you or someone else made. 

My first Art bead Jewelry challenge

 I chose to explore epoxy clay as it lends well to making components. Using the color palette and concept of flowers being in different stages of bloom from the inspiration image, I zeroed in on a concept.
 I made three leaves, six buds and six flowers  a total of 15 beads. At First, I thought of making beads and then wrapping them with wire, then I figured that it will be better If I inserted 26g wire into them while drying. Once Dry, I hand painted and glazed them.

Art bead Jewelry challenge

I used 16g brass wire for the base, as I wanted something strong yet which provided comfort while wearing. To this I connected the beads by wrapping. It was quite tough to keep the beads from falling off and I had to change the placement 3-4 times before finalizing it. To embellish the piece I wire wrapped yellow and green glass beads to the whole necklace – which is a cross between a choker and a wreath necklace.
It was a lot of work no doubt but I really like the final outcome of this Art bead Jewelry contest. 

Inspiration Image – “Vaas met bloemen in een venster :: Vase with Flowers in a Window, 1620, by Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder, Oil on Copper, 64cm x 46 cm

I hope you find it interesting
Cheers

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