Hello dear peeps and welcome to the Bead Peeps Swap N Hop 17 reveal. This an annual virtual bead gala that is hosted by Linda Anderson of Cherry on Top Design.co where jewelry enthusiasts from across the globe come together to swap beads and hop blogs. My partner this year is Karin King of Maverick beads – The Sparkly things blog. I blogged about the Black, white and gray goodies that she sent me and the bead sets that I sent her in the intro post here.
When I first got my black, white and gray bead soup, I was excited. I often work with black and grey or white and silver/gray, however I stopped using black and white together in 2010-11. Most of my clientele prefers to pair my pieces with ethnic or traditional Indian attire, which seldom is black and white. The color combination never really sold for me. As a consequence I stopped using it.
The soup, though achromatic, was interesting in its own way. There were lampwork beads with patterns and solid lampwork headpins. There were beaded beads (made by Karin), wooden trinkets, and a whole lot of plastic beads in various shapes. The key question running through my head was – how do I put them all together? Does Lampwork really go with plastic?
In Black, white and gray
When I started working on pieces I had clear priorities. I wanted to make atleast 2 pairs of simple earrings and one necklace in Black, white and gray. The pieces would be completely achromatic with no other color whatsoever. In any case, I wanted to use only the beads from the swap which further simplified my decision.
I tried various arrangements before settling on the current asymmetrical pattern. More often than not, I am particular about rhythm brought about by repetition in my pieces. However, in this design, I tried to create balance even while breaking the rules of rhythm. I guess, it works due to all the visual movement in the piece. To me, the hero of this piece is the clasp and hence the design starts at the top of the clasp and ends at the bottom. The bead tassel, though resembling a focal is merely a lagniappe.
This necklace represents my state of mind and my life these last couple of months – Black and white with lots of gray. Toned down and muted yet trying to find a new, interesting way out. Not sure what that is, but sure that it will come.
My White moon and black pine earrings
The earrings were easy; I paired lampwork headpins with plastic beads and beaded beads. I wanted to use the headpin wire to make fancy earhooks (continuous earrings). However, that did not work out as the wire made my ears feel itchy. Ultimately, I ended up making simple artistic wire earhooks for them.
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Feeling a little mellow? Here, try some yellow
End of March, I thought that I was done and ready for the hop and was quite satisfied with myself for finishing early. I went back to check the rules of the hop and once again realised that I am bad at following instructions. This Swap N hop comes with a twist. We need to make something with the beads that we sent our partners. Ha, Ha, Ha!! Where in this big bad world am I going to find time for it, I thought, as my day job is smothering me with work.
For the swap, I had sent 2 sets of beads – yellows and blue – purples, green and red violets, plus fibres and components to Karin. I picked out the glass patterned glass beads and combined them with the big purple fabric beads. To create a kitschy asymmetrical design, I added another focal, a decoupage bead from Pricilla beads. I picked this bead with a print of Gustav Klimt (Of Eugenia Primavesi perhaps?) for my stash at beadfest as it was totally my style. The result is a vibrant, attention grabbing, chain and bead necklace. How do you like it?
To see what Karin made with the beads I sent her hop over to her blog. Do check out what all the other beaders made for some awesome inspiration. Moreover, this year it is not just a blog party but Swap N Hop 17 is on Instagram too. Do check out my photos on Instagram and show some love. Do share the pieces that I made and this post on Social media with the hashtag #beadPeepsSwapNHop17
Both the necklace are available for sale. Please email/msg me to buy
I hope you found it interesting
Cheers
36 responses to “In Black, white and gray – SwapNHop17 reveal”
The yellow and purple asymetrical necklace is really eye-catching! I like the way you’ve put the black and white necklace together too. When I made necklaces I used to find it really hard to go asymetrical and just wanted to make everything even all the time 😀
Thanks Tracy. I find it easier and interesting to do asymmetrical pieces than symmetrical ones as it lets me explore rhythm and balance. But it depends on the beads and findings that I have
I very, very nearly chose a black and white theme for my partner this year – a combination that has been calling to me recently. I think you have made a very striking necklace with that colour combo. Beautifully balanced.
I am glad that my partner sent me black and white beads, Its been a log time since I worked with it
Love the necklaces, monochrome and yellow – what a pity you couldn’t add a yellow bead to the monochrome for a pop of colour, against the rules, I know 🙁 , but still, a great piece. The Klimt bead is beautiful and perfect in that necklace.
I always use color in my work and so this time I wanted to know if I can create something sans colors in it. If you look closely though I cheated and added a dark brown trinket 😀
Stepping out of your usual rhythm with the black and white necklace worked out wonderfully. It goes to its own beat and looks fabulous. However, it’s the yellow necklace that really captures my attention. I have the hardest time working with yellow, but you really made it shine! Awesome job!
Thanks. I struggle with yellow too, particularly with complimentary colors – yellow and purple. But this time it came through so quickly that I was surprised
The black, white and grey necklace is outstanding!
Thanks Maya
I love how you made the asymmetry work in your necklace. I have a hard time with that. All your pieces are lovely.
Thank you Inge, hopping over to your blog now
I like the elegance of the black, white, and gray necklace but the yellow one with the Klimit focal is Stunning! I am not normally a fan of vibrant color but this necklace just sings.
Yellow isn’t my color too but I am beginning to like it after making this piece
I love the black beaded earrings! They are my style~
Thanks I loved wearing them too
Love your work. You’re pieces have a soothing shape is not the right word…maybe flow to them. The black earrings I adore.
Thanks Ginger – that is called “Harmony” in design terms and is quite difficult to achieve. I am so glad that you think that my pieces are harmonious
I LOVE the yellow. Such a beautiful, underutilized color. The purple is perfect contrast.
I enjoyed working with yellow I hope that my partner did too
Divya- GORGEOUS pieces! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the black and white piece. I struggle with not using color too…so it shows me there is hope for me, yet! Well done!
And that yellow piece- DELIGHTFUL!
Thanks Linda, I love black so that motivated me to go achromatic. I love the yellow one more too – I guess the twist really worked in my favour. Thanks for this opportunity
Hi Divya, Your black white and gray necklace is wonderful. Your yellow necklace is very striking. Great job using your swap beads.
Thanks Becky
I love your black, white and gray necklace! It is stunning! Brilliant use of the focal! Your yellow piece is also beautiful. I have a hard time using yellow in my designs!
Thanks Robin, I am glad that it appeals to your whimsical soul
I’d never say the black, white and grey necklace is a reflection of a state of mind in these colors – it is so lively and the asymmetry gives it a joyous vibe! The colors are formal, yes, but the vibe just jumps out at you! The yellow piece is all about the beautiful side of life, such a happy necklace!
I think that is just how I am – I try joke, prance around in a lively mood even when I am unwell. Maybe that’s what reflects in my pieces too. Anyway Life is too short to wear boring jewelry. What say?
Love the asymmetry of your pieces!
Thanks Catherine, I miss Dry Gulch challenges, are they coming back? I would love to work with you guys sometime
Such beautiful jewellery! I adore the black white and great necklace and your placement of beads in it. Your yellow Klimt piece looks stunning and vibrant.
Thanks Sam, I enjoyed working on both
Very nice work! I love that yellow necklace!
Thanks Rachel
love how you grabbed the “anti” color challenge of the black, grey and white theme. beautiful pieces and the yellow pieces and the Freida focal are an awesome pop of color
Thanks, I had a great time trying achroma