Saturday, December 6, 2014

2nd Annual Bead Hoarders Blog Hop

First things first...

Bead Hoarders jasper necklace with hand made clasp and pearl and beaded bead strap
As you can see from the caption, the focal is Jasper.  I bought this at a bead show where I swore I did not need a thing and was not going to buy anything.  Yeah, that did not quite work as planned.

Glass copper colored edge beads
I love this jasper, it has wine, olive sometimes bordering on mustard, and cream colors. What is not to love?  It is a great size, approximately 40 mm x 30 mm. 

The two sides have different colored edging:

Copper Edging


The other side is edged in olive:


Glass olive colored edge beads






Due to poor planning on my part I did not capture enough photos during the daylight hours.  Unavailable is a clear view of the brass cut beads embellishing the edge of the focal.






What I did capture was a picture of the hand made clasp on the bust.
Hand made clasp, based on tutorial by Nicole Hanna

Bead hoarders special
If you have visited me before you will know that my first love is seed beads.  You will also know that I am just learning how to weave wire and my go-to source for tutorials is Nicole Hanna.  I really am just learning.  I have made a couple of pairs of earrings and done a little bit of design exploration.  It is easier than it appears.  I want to design my own clasps and this is a start.

One last picture before you make your way to the other participants of the necklace on a bust.  Again, poor planning, I took the photos in the late afternoon on a day off, and this was the best I had.


Finally, thank you to Lori Anderson for hosting this blog hop and providing the opportunity to share and the push to create.  Thank you for visiting.  The other participants are linked below.

Lori Anderson www.PrettyThingsBlog.com  (Hostess)

Audrey Belanger
esperianterra.blogspot.com
Jenny Kyrlach http://anafiassa.blogspot.com/
Kathy Lindemer http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/
Lori Schneider http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com/
Dee Elgie http://cherryobsidia.blogspot.co.uk
Dolores Raml http://craftydscreations.wordpress.com
Rebecca Ednie Http://eclecticendeavours.blogspot.com
Lili Krist http://emjestudio.blogspot.com/
Marybeth Rich http://forestofjewels.blogspot.com/
Hannah Rosner http://goodrivergallery.wordpress.com/blog/
Nicole Prince http://healingbeading.blogspot.com/
Deana Hager http://justdeesarts.blogspot.com/
Jackie Ryan http://kydojewellery.blogspot.co.uk/
Elsie Deliz-Fonseca http://ladelizchica.blogspot.com/
Mowse Doyle http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com/
Evelyn Shelby http://raindropcreationsbyevelyn.blogspot.com
Lisa Johnson http://spudandmrsbutters.blogspot.com/
Terri Gauthier http://terrisbloomingideas.blogspot.com/
Patti Pruhs http://threebeadsandastring.blogspot.com
Shai Williams http://www.shaihasramblings.com/
Andrea Glick http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/
K Hutchinson https://jumbledhutch.wordpress.com
Marci Brooks https://thatnothingbewasted.wordpress.com/
Jo-Ann Woolverton itsabeadifulcreation.blogspot.ca
Jasvanti Patel Jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com
Laurie Vyselaar Lefthandjewelry.wordpress.com
Lisa Knappenberger LIRaysaDesigns.blogspot.com
Mary Lindell marylindell.com
Niky Sayers silverniknats.blogspot.co.uk
Sandra McGriff skyescreativechaos.blogspot.com
Patricia Handschuh thecolorofdreams.blogspot.com
Erin Prais-Hintz treasures-found.blogspot.com
Maria Rosa Sharrow willowstreetshops.blogspot.com
Kathleen Breeding www.99bobotw.blogspot.com
Monique Urquhart www.ahalfbakednotion.blogspot.com
Jackie Locantore www.artfire.com/ext/shop/blog/MorningStar
Sheryl Stephens www.babblebead.blogspot.com
Becky Pancake www.beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com
Mona Arnott www.bijouxgemsjoy.blogspot.ca
Michelle Escano www.cabbycraft.com
Denise McCabe www.cabewoman.blogspot.com
Carolyn Lawson www.carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com
Sheila Prose www.catswithbeads.blogspot.com
Kim Dworak www.cianciblue.blogspot.com
Iveth Caruso www.CreativeAtelier.net/blog
Deborah Apodaca www.deborahapodacadesigns.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth Bunn www.elizabethbeads.blogspot.com
Janine Lucas www.esfera.me/travel/blog/travel-stories
Kari Asbury www.hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com
Inge von Roos www.ingetraud.wordpress.com
Divya N www.jewelsofsayuri.com
Debbie Rasmussen www.kepirasmussen.blogspot.com
KJ  (You Are Here) www.kjsbeadaciousbeads.blogspot.com/
Klaudete Koon www.klaudetekoon.blogspot.com
Ghislaine Kruse-van Erp www.kruseartllc.com
Ginger Bishop www.lilmummylikes.blogspot.com
Kelly Schermerhorn www.meanderingwithkelly.blogspot.com
Mischelle Andrade www.micheladasmusings.blogspot.com 
Sue Kelly www.midlifegreaterexpectations.blogspot.com
Rachel Mallis www.mintmonarch.com/#!Blog/c1jlz
Susan McClelland www.mistheword12.com
Mary K McGraw www.mkaymac.blogspot.com
Tania Spivey www.moobiegracedesigns.blogspot.com
Stephanie Perry www.mustardbeadbystephanieperry.blogspot.com
Mitzie Crider www.NeedfulLuxuries.Blogspot.com
Nicole Rennell Www.nicolerennell.com/blog
Nicole Valentine www.nvalentine.blogspot.com
Karen Mitchell www.overthemoon-design.com
Tammy Adams www.paisleylizard.com/blog/
Patty Miller www.pattymillerbeads.blogspot.com
Blanca Medina www.peru-medesigns.com
Stephanie Haussler www.pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com
Roxanne Mendoza www.roxidesigns.blogspot.com
Claire Fabian www.saraccino.blogspot.com
Bridget Torres www.shears58.net
Donetta Farrington www.simplygorgeous-donetta.blogspot.com
Lee Koopman www.stregajewellry.wordpress.com
Deb Fortin www.studiok24.blogspot.ca
Susan Walls Www.susansartcircus.com/blog
Cece Cormier www.thebeadingyogini.com
Heather Otto www.thecrafthopper.com
Lizzie Clarke www.theneedtobead.blogspot.co.uk
Elizabeth Hodges www.thewhisperingseas.blogspot.com
Fay Wolfenden www.torchfairy.blogspot.com
Kelly Hosford Patterson www.TravelingSideShow.blogspot.com
Nan Smith www.wirednan.blogspot.ca
Jayne Capps wwwww.mamasgototdoodle.blogspot.com
Robin Kae Reed                                       http://www.willowdragon.blogspot.com/
Melissa Trudinger                                   https://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/


71 comments:

  1. The necklace is fabulous. And that clasp is amazing. I've tried a bit of wire weaving and I cannot get anything remotely close to that to happen. Spectacular.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you.

      I really do highly recommend Nicole Hanna's tutorials. Practice helps. The weave is not difficult it is the shaping that always gets me.

      Delete
  2. Oh wow what a necklace! I love it's medieval vibe - truly unique and beautiful

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. I love the stone and the beaded beads wear well.

      Delete
  3. This is just full of awesomeness! First of all - YAY! Another seed beader! And that wire clasp? Way beyond awesome. I love everything about this piece. YAY YOU!

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    Replies
    1. What enthusiasm- I just love it. Can't wait to hit your blog in the list. Thank you so very much you made me smile.

      Delete
  4. love the focal bead setting - and I JUST found the same clasp tutorial! I haven't bought it, but I really really like it!

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    Replies
    1. I recommend the tutorial- I have quite a few from Nicole and they are all well done. Actually it is through her tutorials that I have learned all of my wire weaving skills. Be forewarned you will need a closed jump ring to complete the clasp and I recommend an 8mm jump ring. I had to go to Michaels and buy a strand of spacers to complete the clasp.

      Thank you.

      Delete
  5. Wow! This is so beautiful. I'm sure we all nodded at the comment of buying something when you had no intention to buy - been there, done that. I admire anyone who enjoys working with seed beads, but love the look of them. I cannot get over how pretty this is, the gorgeous focal, and the wire work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Marci. I am happy to report that the last bead show I went to with the intention of just picking up a bit of wire and a few jump rings I exited successfully with only a single spool of wire. Honestly I do not need another bead but I am sure there are more in my future and the last show was a one-off event.

      Delete
  6. If you hadn't made it clear, I would have swore the clasp was your hoarded piece ! W O W - what a lovely clasp, and a lovely piece of jasper, too. I can so understand why you had to have it.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. I am really enjoying learning how to weave wire. Best of all, I still have 9 more pieces of the jasper.

      Delete
  7. Beautiful and brilliant design! I adore your work!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much. It was a delight to make this piece.

      Delete
  8. Replies
    1. Thank you. I am going to have to decide if I want to sell it or keep it. It is an easy piece to wear.

      Delete
  9. Gotta love jaspers. One of my favorites as well. Great job!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. I fell hard for the colors in this stone.

      Delete
  10. Your jasper bead is a beauty. I am very fond of jasper. Your seed beading did it justice! The clasp you made is stunning. It must have taken a lot of time and patience. Well done!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you.

      The beading always takes time- I am slow. It took me three tries to get the clasp right, which is less time than it took me to do the beading. Patience I have in abundance so long as I am not standing in line or waiting for the bus.

      Delete
  11. Love love LOVE the necklace! The focal stone is so pretty. I always get Ghost Eye or Bird's Eye Jasper confused. Maybe they are the same thing (you know how all stones these days have kabillion trade names lol), but it looks like a Bird's Eye and the colors are some of my favorites. Perfect frame for it with the bead work! The clasp was a great choice for the over-all look and you executed it beautifully. You've got this weaving thing in the bag!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Nicole.

      I have no idea of what kind of jasper it is other than pretty with great colors.

      Thank you for the compliment on the weaving. I have grown rather comfortable with the weaving now I need to get comfortable with the shaping. Your compliment means a lot.

      Delete
  12. Replies
    1. Thank you Fay. This was both a challenge and a joy and I am pleased that it came together so well.

      Delete
  13. I love jasper anyway, but this beautiful focal is exceptional! Your work is absolutely incredible. I am in awe.

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    Replies
    1. I love stones and there was no way that I could walk out of the bead show without the strand of this jasper- the colors are just so rich.

      Thank you for the compliment. I am rather proud of how the whole thing turned out.

      Delete
  14. Lovely, lovely - every bit of it from the focal to the clasp. The clasp makes me think of English period piece jewelry in shape and detail. I bet you're glad you picked up that stone despite not planning to buy anything!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you.

      I picked up an entire strand of these stones, this is the second one I have used. And I do not regret it for a moment.

      Delete
  15. Oh I so love jasper and you have done this piece justice, very nice necklace!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. It seems jasper is quite popular with bead hoarders. :)

      Delete
  16. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing your work with us. Gorgeous clasp. Even more beautiful setting for the stone.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much. I am glad Lori offered the blog hop- it was just the push I needed to do something.

      Delete
  17. Amazing design! your clasp is so gorgeous and I can see why you couldn't pass up that stone...beautiful colors.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Kari. I fall in love with so many beads, but this strand was spectacular he colors so warm and easy to work with. I am glad I did not pass it by.

      Delete
  18. First things first: what an amazing clasp! It could stand alone as a focal. I do love your jasper stone. Jasper is a favorite of mine and these colors are just gorgeous.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for the compliment on the clasp. It is so much fun learning how to weave wire and honestly I cannot say enough good things about Nicole Hanna's tutorials.

      Delete
  19. I love love the clasp - its feels so poetic!! Thanks for the tutorial link

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    Replies
    1. Thank you.

      You are welcome for the link- Nicole is quite prolific.

      Delete
  20. Ooh, I love jasper, too. Your necklace is gorgeous!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Mimi. I have to say that I have had no other stone that has been as easy to design with.

      Delete
  21. Your necklace has just blown me away. Talk about stunning! I love that you used the jasper used horizontally. Your seed bead bezel is perfect. The seed beading on the chain is exceptional and able to draw the eye away from the focal, resulting in overall balance and harmony. Of course the clasp is wonderful. That piece of jasper obviously was made for you, and I'm really glad you didn't pass it up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you.

      I bought an entire strand of this jasper and the only other necklace that I made from it is vertical. I have really enjoyed working with it and there is more to come. (You can see the other piece here: http://kjsbeadaciousbeads.blogspot.com/2012/11/cinnamon-and-honey-harvest-treat.html)

      Thank you again Liz for all the fine compliments.

      Delete
  22. Another seed beader and you are following the elusive grail of wirework with the seed beads. Way to go

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    Replies
    1. I have loved wire weaving for quite some time, errr, strike that, I have loved the look of wire weaving for quite some time. Sometime last year I realized that I really needed to learn how to make clasps and it seemed like a good match.

      I moved this year and the town I am living in has a silver smithing class at the local community college as well as the local community art school. The local community art school also offers lamp working classes, and wait, there is more... I have no idea how I am going to fit it all in but I am most definitely going to take both classes just for the experience.

      Delete
  23. What a lovely piece. Your clasp is amazing! It looks very complicated!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. I always thought wire weaving must be terribly difficult, and it is not simple, but it is not nearly as difficult as I expected.

      Delete
  24. Hi KJ, Your necklace is gorgeous. I am very impressed with your awesome clasp. Thank you for sharing the tutorial with us.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Becky. Thank you. I am rather proud of the clasp.

      Nicole has wonderful tutorials well worth a visit. I think she also has some freebies on her site with the basic patterns. In addition, she has regular contests called "finish it." For the contest she shares a partial tutorial and then leaves it to her readers to finish the piece. The level in those tutorials is rather advanced, but I recommend watching for them if you want to get a feel for what her tutorials are like.

      Delete
  25. Really like how you showcased the jasper. Plus the clasp is amazing.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Mary. It is truly wonderful to get such positive feedback on a newly acquired skill.

      Delete
  26. This is impressive. I like the whole necklace, but your clasp is really amazing. I love it!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Ann. I am sure I will be making the clasp again.

      Delete
  27. That clasp!!!!! Oh my goodness how pretty, I mean it's a really nice necklace overall but wowowow that clasp!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you- that made me laugh in a very good way. I adore the look of wire weaving. I bookmarked many weavers pages before I found some accessible tutorials and tried my hand. Thank you again.

      Delete
  28. Your japer piece is so pretty and you made it even more beautiful with this necklace! Love the clasp too!

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  29. Oh my goodness, if you are still learning wire work, I wonder what your pieces will look like when you are a pro. That clasp is stunning!!!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Janine, and yes, I am still learning. I give all the credit it Nicole Hanna. I am looking forward to the day I can design.

      Delete
  30. What a great necklace! The beadwork is fantastic, but oh my that clasp is amazing!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Liz. I can't tell you how much these compliments mean to me; they are just the incentive I need to keep at it.

      Delete
  31. What a wonderful necklace, such beautiful beading and that wire worked clasp is amazing how talented you are KJ!
    Thank you for leaving me such a nice comment.
    Jackie

    ReplyDelete
  32. What a lovely necklace - the clasp is gorgeous. Looks like you used up lots of your stash making this piece.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Susan. I did not even make a dent in my stash which is how I managed to go to a bead show last month and only spend $5.

      Delete
  33. I so admire your wire work. I have recently started working with wire myself but have a long way to go...Just beautiful work you have.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Lisa. Shaping is still a challenge for me, but the weaving itself is not difficult. I am again going to credit Nicole's tutorials. I have a long way to go before I am ready to pick up wire and make something without a tutorial.

      Delete
  34. Woah. That is some serious work there. I really, REALLY need to get over my fear of seed beads and try to learn a cab bezel. Everything is amazing!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you.

      Yes, you do need to get over your fear of seed beads and learn to bezel a stone. If you have the basics of weaving, I actually suggest you turn to Haute Ice Beadwork by Marsha Wiest-Hines. She has done a couple of tutorials on how to bezel and the calculations involved. I, on the other hand, use a short-cut. Wrap the cab in blue painters tape around the edge, where it overlaps is the approximate length of single strung beads (or if you want quick use RAW) to begin with. Marsha has the numbers worked out and I highly recommend your read these posts:
      http://www.hauteicebeadworks.blogspot.com/2013/08/oceanaire-magic-numbers-and-square.html
      and
      http://www.hauteicebeadworks.blogspot.com/2014/09/swarovski-4627-octagon-fancy-jewel-bezel.html
      and
      http://www.hauteicebeadworks.blogspot.com/2014/11/maltese-squircle.html

      It is time consuming. Think of it like painting the walls- you can always tear it out and start over and seed beads are not too expensive until you begin to collect them in large numbers.

      Thanks again.

      Delete
  35. Oh my goodness! Beautiful necklace and I absolutely adore your clasp. Wow. Makes me with I did not suck at wire work!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for sharing. I had to turn off anonymous comments because spam was being posted.