Blog readers, friends, and those who see my jewellery, often comment about my colour skills. They appreciate my sense of colour and the colour combinations that I use. But what only a very few people know is that I love colourless, clear materials. Glass, clear crystals, white/clear rhinestones are my all time favourite. Infact, I own and wear a lot of colourless and neutral jewellery personally. I just don’t make clear pieces for sale, as I have never found my clientele to favour them. I have been wanting to make a Crystal clear necklace of glass beads and chandelier earrings for a while and ABS challenge provided the opportunity.
Art Journey #1: The Illuminated Illustrations of Aubrey Beardsley
The first ABS challenge of 2020 is inspired by the book Le Morte d’Arthur illustrated by Aubrey Vincent Beardsley. In 1892 J. M. Dent wanted to publish an edition of Sir Thomas Malory’s “Morte d’Arthur.”
Who is Sir Thomas Malory, we really do not know. But the book is a synthesis of stories associated with King Arthur, Lancelot, Guinevere, and the Knights of the Round Table. Dent was known for producing books that is affordable to a larger audience. Hence he contacted the 19 year old clerk, Aubrey Beardsley to illustrate the book. Beardsley, did the illustrations in black and white to keep the printing costs down. However, due the stylisation of the figures and the rendition of Art Nouveau climbers and whiplash motifs the illustrations are considered fine art. You can see many of the illustrations from the book here.
This particular illustration that I have chosen as my inspiration is one titled “How Four Queens Found Launcelot Sleeping.” In the story, Sir Launcelot was found asleep by Queen Morgana le Fay, and 3 Other Queens. He was then taken to a Castle of Queen Morgana and eventually Elouise the fair, helps him escape the castle of enchantment. Read the full story at the above mentioned link.
Crystal clear necklace
My Crystal clear necklace is a half knotted – half looped bead necklace. Knotting to me, represents fluidity while looping rigidity. In my mind they are opposing forces – much like the curve and counter curve of Art Nouveau. I used clear glass beads, gunmetal colour (and finish) glass beads, coated clear and silver crystals in this necklace. The beads were selected to resemble the forms and silhouettes seen in the painting above. It is interesting to note that while Lancelot is dressed like a knight from the middle ages (as he should be) the queens are wearing a surcoat or chainse as opposed to a houppelande with dalmatian sleeves ( think Cercei in GOT) as one would expect the queens to wear. Also, their hair is uncovered. Did the artist incorporate contemporary fashion references of how the women of his times dressed when he painted?
The pendant is a double drop with a Art bead by ArtyBecca. I am assuming that this link is right, as the bead looks like one of her slate beads. Please correct me if I am wrong. I got it in a prize bundle for winning one of the challenges or giveaways. I am really sorry but for the life of me, cannot remember who gave it to me. If you are the person who gave it to me please inform me and I’ll add it. Thankfully, I kept the beads in the cover I got it with the sender’s handwriting. That is how I atleast know the maker’s name.
Chandelier Crystal earrings
I am not sure, if I would keep the necklace or sell it. So I made the earrings for myself. Apart from the same glass beads in the necklace, I used vintage glass Chandelier charms that I bought at Marches Aux Puches, Paris. I wrote about the famous Parisian flea market and how I found chandelier crystals in my post on Blueberry jewellery. Its light weight and crystal clear and I can’t wait to wear it. Both the necklace and earrings compliment women’s dresses beautifully.
Usually, the ABS challenge runs on the blog. However, this time, they have asked the participants to submit on their Facebook page. Do check out how other designers have interpreted the illustrations.
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