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| Everything except the copper filigree elements...doh! |
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| One of the filigree elements. |
And you are going to be amazed! Ambra sent me a gorgeous bamboo agate focal bead, along with chunky faceted bowenite beads and softly mottled jasper beads. Ambra also sent me a length of copper chain, two coppery filigree stars, and an elegant copper clasp that she made herself (which I think is the very coolest – I’m such a handmade dork, I know, right?).
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| Ambra's clasp - this, the bamboo agate, and the filigree pieces are my favorites! |
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| Bowenite beads and the coolio copper chain... |
I’ll be using one of the bowenite beads and some of the jasper beads in one of my mixed media art charm bracelets – this one is for me, and one that I’ve been planning for a long while now – sage and olive greens, ivory, and copper. I love the idea that Ambra’s beads will be on this bracelet, and I am excited to be FINALLY putting this one together. I'll post pics of this tomorrow.
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| The OMG fabulous bamboo agate focal... |
The bamboo agate is really lovely – and ginormous – and way way WAY out of my comfort zone. I have no idea how I’m going to show this piece off. I tried using wire-wrapping to frame the stone, but the wire kind of distracted from the beauty of the stone, and didn’t add to it.
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| The delightful jasper beads - love the colors in these! I've got some dyed freshwater pearls in cream, peach and sage green, which I think would play very nicely with the jasper. |
I desperately want to make the agate into a chunky mixed media not-quite-a-choker necklace – but that would require drilling another hole in it. Did some research – bottom line, yes, it IS possible to drill it, with a diamond bit (which I do have) and with a steady stream of water...or else…
(cue dramatic music)…if there isn’t enough water, it could cause the stone to break. Gah! I’m not going to experiment and take a chance on hurting this stunning stone.
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| The current incarnation of the bamboo agate... |
My current experiment is with wrapping it at the top with fine gauge annealed black steel wire and copper wire, accented with freshwater pearls and a Swarovski…it looks OK, but I’m not enchanted with it (probably because I’m jonesing to do the mixed media thing with it). What do you think?
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| And a close-up from a different angle... |
3 comments:
I think the soup is absolutely gorgeous! And actually, I rather like the wire wrapping at the top! It doesn't detract from the stone, merely enhances it. But I can't wait to see what you end up with! I'm certain it'll be beautiful!
Jennifer - it IS a gorgeous bead soup isn't it? And thanks VERY much for the vote of confidence re: the wire-wrapping at the top.
It's frustrating for me sometimes when I have a clear vision of what I want to make (e.g. the chunky mixed media not-quite-a-choker piece) which conflicts with the reality I'm facing (not wanting to take a chance on messing up this exquisite stone).
But...I really appreciate your encouragement and faith that I'll get this right. In fact, I think you might have inspired a slight modification of the wire-wrapping idea...I'll post pics as soon as I can, OK?
Hi Christine!
Sorry if I pop by so late, but had some problems with my pc. Anyway, I am happy you like the focal bead because I love it. And you know what? I have never thuoght at that wire-wrapping at the top. I think this is a great idea!
As for the clasp, it is really easy to do, you are too nice with your compliments.
I am really looking forward to see what you will create in the end, I am sure it will be great!
Have fun!
Ambra
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