Andrew's September Beading Challenge

I knew I wanted to participate as soon as I saw that Andrew's September challenge included all of this purple goodness! I had a bit of a thing for purple lately. Not only that but he included some really great art beads from some of my favorites: Polymer floral charm from Humblebeads; Enameled flowers from C Koop Beads; a GROW connector from Swoon Dimples and some beautiful purple Soft Flex beading wire. I love the seed bead mix and the Swarovski's- I couldn't wait to get started!

I crafted a necklace first. Using the double linked silver plated chain around the back, I beaded 2 strands using the seed beads and crystals at the front.   The large crystal rounds, have holes big enough that you can pass the wire through twice so instead of just stringing them, I looped the wire back around and through the hole a second time creating some interest, and allows you to see some of that cool Purple Soft Flex wire. I attached one of the Extra components, [a beautiful handmade copper flower pendant], layered with the smaller C Koop enameled flower, to the strands with a large seedbeaded bail.   I added a few of my own elements. A Tierra cast flower button and toggle bar that links into the looped soft flex wire button loop. 

The necklace has a very nice and Romantical feeling to it.  I can see it being worn with the perfect dress to a wedding, or even with a nice suit to a business meeting.

My second piece is a bracelet. Using the purple wire, I strung some faceted purple Czech glass, a few curved brass tubes, the dichroic glass Mystery component, Swoon Dimples grow connector and Enameled flower. I love how this piece turned out. The curved brass beads really modernize the bracelet. I dangled the Humblebeads charm on a large jump ring and it slides along one of the brass bars. I capped the shimmering dichroic bead with one of Mamacita Beadworks pewter bead caps.

I really look forward to what Andrew has up his sleeve for his next monthly challenges. This one was a blast!


Be sure to head over to Andrew's blog to get the list of participants in this month's blog hop!

Sally Russick
Tara Linda
Paula Kramer
Melinda Orr
Beth Emery