My luck just never seems to run out! I was randomly chosen once again to participate in the Art Jewelry Elements blog’s August Component of the Month challenge. (You may recall that I was also chosen back in January. You can read about that wonderful experience here.)
I was lucky enough to receive this gorgeous component from Diana Ptaszynski of Suburban Girl Studios. The colors were randomly sent out, but I got the exact shade I wanted!
Isn’t it lovely?
So, when I first got a look at this pendant, I immediately ran to my stash of seed beads. I grabbed a handful of 11/0’s that coordinated and found some perfect jasper beads and even complimentary Czech glass beads and Rizos.
Unfortunately, my muse was being completely contrary. Nothing I tried worked! I wasted a significant part of my month trying out different types of twisted herringbone, assorted braids, and even straight up stringing, but nothing was working.
I decided to go back to the AJE blog and look for inspiration. My attention was immediately captured by all the lovely mixed media pieces. I put my carefully selected bead palette away (don’t worry, I will revisit that color combo later), and pulled out my ribbons and chains.
I started with taking some sari silk, silk ribbons, and matte chain and did a Lark’s head knot on the coin pendant and took it from there.
I did a bunch of braiding and then added the drop with some REALLY messy wire wrapping (I cannot do wire work to save my life), so I covered in up with more sari silk.
I don’t think the end result is too bad after all!
It is definitely far out of my comfort zone, but isn’t that the point of these challenges? I will probably never abandon my precious seed beads, but it’s nice to know that I can still make something nice out of fabric and chain and a bit of blood and tears. Haha.
Thanks again to the AJE team for letting me participate in this beading adventure! Please take the time to hop around to the other blogs to see what everyone made with Diana’s gorgeous stoneware pendants!
Guests
Samantha Wescott – You are here!
AJE Team
Wescott Jewelry 
I think it turned out lovely! In fact, this is the first time I’ve seen one of these rustic components paired up with a bunch of silk! I think it adds a very pretty touch! Thanks for participating!
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Thanks for the beautiful component, Diana! I had a blast playing with it.
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I ADORE how you used the silk ribbon and chain together. It really looks great with Diana’s component. And the drop adds a touch of elegance to the entire piece. Gorgeous!
Thanks for participating (once again!) in our design challenge and for reading AJE :-)
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Beautiful Samantha!
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Absolutely beautiful! I love the color combination, and I think the use of sari silk was inspired. Wonderful work! :)
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Oh my!!!! I love this. Sometimes it is good to go out of our comfort zone. I know you love the seeds but you can really make ribbon and chain rock!
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Beautiful! The burgundy/maroon color really makes the pendant pop. Excellent Job!!!
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I love how you’ve used the silk, it’s a perfect compliment to Diana’s component.
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I can totally relate to the contrary muse and the departure from your comfort zone; the same thing happened to me. Though your initial color palette was gorgeous, your final design is stunning. Love the juxtaposition of the hard and soft, and the rustic and elegant. Silk and matte chain look so cool braided together, and those colors are lovely. I think the decision to wrap the drop in silk added the perfect balance. What is the material of the beautiful briolette bead in the drop? Bravo!
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Thanks for all the kind words, Cindy!
As far as the briolette goes, I am really not sure. I found a whole strand of them at a clearance event at one of my local bead shops and they were unmarked. I, personally, think they look like amazonite, maybe?
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What a beautiful color combination the pink goes so beautifully with aqua and I love the little drop!
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I like the chain woven through the silks. The rose/maroon color compliments that fab glaze so well!
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Your colors of silk are just perfect for that component. What a pretty piece!
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Nice work. I especially like the colors you selected.
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