March 29, 2017

Halfcraft + Humblebeads: Pretty Palettes Challenge

I was invited this month to participate in Halcraft's Pretty Palette Challenge this month. I was gifted an assortment of beads in hues of peach, orange, green and brown. I loved the earthy combination and pulled out some art beads to help add a story to this lovely collection of glass, stones and wood.

For those of us in the north that weather through dark, cold and grey winters, it takes quite a bit of faith to trust that the promise of spring is right around the corner by March. Even thought a snowflake may still fall this time of year, once I hear the birds sing for the first time in spring I know the world will soon wake up. I wanted this necklace to capture that faith in the promise of spring!

For this first necklace I used 1mm gold leather from Classic Elements and strung on those gorgeous wood disks from Halcraft. I paired one of my Gilded Bramble Birds and Diane Hawkey word bead in shades of green. 

I was pleasantly surprised that those green jasper chips had large enough holes for the leather, but they did! I don't think I've used chip beads since my beginning days of jewelry making. I have to say I like their organic, rustic look. 

I used some of the seed beads sent in a mix of beads and finished the design with a leaf button.

This design used more the seed beads from the Halcraft mix. I strung them on headpins to make a tiny tassel with an enamel leaf from Gardanne Beads. I wrapped a wire nest for my Gilded Bramble Bird. 

I had one wooden disk bead left, so I didn't want to waste that! I used another word bead from Diane Hawkey that was the perfect color and sentiment. On the pearl leather cord I strung wood beads from the Halcraft stash. 

(I'll be sharing how to make wire nests for your birds and other beads today on Facebook live at 2pm EST. https://www.facebook.com/humblebeadspage/

When I saw these ceramic beads in my package I was both delighted and little scared. These are some big beads girls! I actually almost bought them last month but chickened out because of their size. My goal for this necklace was to make something I'd wear, so I thought simple, little nature thrown in but let those big beads do the talking.

I really love the mottled finish on the beads, they reminded me of my Monarch Beads, so I pulled those out from my stash along with those oval wood beads. The round wood beads are from Halcraft.

I strung on the large beads and used a spacer before I knotted the 1mm leather cord that I used for the necklace. I knotted between all the other beads and finished this necklace with adjustable knots. Simple, but fun and something I'd totally wear.

My last design is a knotted bracelet on waxed linen cord. I really went out of my comfort zone with those bright orange glass lentils. But as soon as I saw this tiny heart charm from Mary Harding I knew I could pull it off.

I used one of my Wooden House beads and another Monarch Disk with the glass lentils, quartzite and dye jade beads along with a few more wooden beads. I love how the blue of waxed linen is part of the design throughout the bracelet. 

I want to thank Molly for inviting me to join in the fun this month and a big thanks to Halcraft for providing the beads and inspiration! 

Stop over to the Halcraft blog to see more creations inspired by this month's Pretty Palette challenge and to learn more about the beads. 

Gilded Bramble Birds, Monarch Beads and Wooden House beads can all be found at my website, www.humblebeads.com



9 comments:

TesoriTrovati said...

What a stunning group! I love all of them. Especially the ones with the birds and how you balanced out the color play in the Halcraft beads with your own polymer clay creations. They all just sing! Enjoy the day! Erin

The Crafty Mama said...

Oh, oh, oh.... I could eat these, they're so pretty. Maybe I'm craving chocolate, and the wooden beads are sort of reminiscent of that? :)
I was also a bit scared about the size--and weight, the ceramic isn't lightweight like the wood--of the orange rounds, but I've always admired them and wanted to use them in a project. That was part of my decision-making process when choosing them; I really wanted to see how others might use them, too!

They look great with your monarch beads. Stunning! I also really love the way that you used the green nuggets with the knots and seed beads between them. They make a gorgeously textured strand!

The colors and textures of your handmade art beads shine alongside the Bead Gallery beads. Thank you so much for participating, Heather! I can't wait to put together next month's Pretty Palette!

Hugs!

Bijoux Gems Joy said...

Lovely use and balance of the orange in your creations, from the bold in your face ceramic beads and glass lentils to the subtle appearance of it.
Mona

Lorelei Eurto said...

Loving all of your pieces! It's so fun to see what other people make with the same beads!!
Of course anything you dress up with Humblebeads makes it awesome :)

AntiquityTravelers said...

Heather these are all wonderful, and earthy and gorgeous! I love those birds and the little nest - I for one, can't wait for spring!

Ann Schroeder said...

These designs are absolutely wonderful! I especially love the way you used the big beads. I love big beads, but struggle to use them well. This is great inspiration! Thanks!

Alison Adorns said...

Yay! So excited to see you play along! As always, you made some beautiful designs, I especially love the first necklace with the bird bead.

Terry Ricioli Designs said...

I love all your pieces, but especially the bird in the nest. Just perfect!

Sarah said...

I just love all of your color pairings and your beautiful focal beads! They give such personality to this pretty, earthy color palette!