SOCIAL MEDIA

10/18/11

Opulence...

Deryn Mentock of Something Sublime is hosting a challenge: to create a piece of jewelry based on this photo and palette:

The first word that came to my mind when I saw it was...

Opulence

Such fantastic and exquisite glamour in the folds of the fabric, the antique mirror, the gilded frames...

I knew I had to create a piece that reflected the over-the-top excesses of this room, with great attention to detail, texture and color.

I pulled out an etched mother-of pearl focal I've been hoarding for such inspiration as this, and got to work:
I've been experimenting with beaded bezels, and this project seemed tailor-made for the intricate detailing I was looking for.  I love how the fringe looks delicate and lacy around the edges of the focal.

To continue the intricate detailing, I made twelve beaded rings, each with the lacy fringe, originally intending them to be the chain for the necklace.  When I put them together as the chain, however, they didn't have the impact I was looking for, so I decided to turn them into charms and space them evenly along the necklace:

On one side of the necklace, I added groupings of tiny tear-shaped olive beads to bulk up the chain and add more color.

On the opposite side of the necklace, I interspersed six handmade beaded silk roses in a rich burgundy red.  The flowers keep the continuity of the colors and textures with the olive and bronze beads used in their centers:

I added a length of extender chain with another small grouping of the olive drop beads to the end for a bit of extra detail, and used a very simple brass clasp to complete the necklace:

Here is a look at the completed piece:
"Opulence"
And another view:
"Opulence"

I learned a lot about seed beading from the construction of this piece, and am looking forward to incorporating more of it into upcoming pieces as well.

A big thank you goes out to Deryn Mentock for hosting this challenge!  To see the other entries you can head on over to her blog, Something Sublime.



Amy F said...

So pretty and romantic! love those fabric flowers!

Deryn Mentock said...

Opulence, indeed! So feminine and mysterious. This is just gorgeous, Molly. Great work, here. Thank you for participating!

sharon said...

Hi Molly! I just saw your piece over on Deryn's blog and had to pop over, and sorry I have not visited before.....your piece is GORGEOUS! And your work is amazing!

I too have been fulling around with seed beading, I get in my moods.

Unknown said...

Molly, this is an absolutely gorgeous design! Those fabric flowers are a nice compliment to the focal and what a wonderful pop of color they add!

Alice said...

'Opulence'--a most fitting name! I love the colors and textures of this beautiful piece!

Katalina Jewelry said...

This is stunning! The flowers add such a romantic and feminine touch.

Shuku said...

Saw your piece on Deryn's blog and had to come over and comment! The seed beading in this is spectacular. This is such a lovely piece, and I love how you incorporated those flowers -and- the beaded accent in the middle of each!

LisaS said...

Very beautiful. Still working with seed beads eh... Are you hooked yet? ;)

Holly said...

Molly, I love your interpretation of Deryn's challenge! That focal is incredible, and I'm in awe of all the seed bead work ;)

SoulsFireDesigns said...

Molly that is stunning! What a gorgeous piece!

Judy said...

Wow! I just love those fabric roses and that color is gorgeous! Beautiful beading, such a great idea to frame the pendant.

Francy said...

Love that beautiful focal! Awesome design.

TesoriTrovati said...

Miss Molly, you really know how to turn up the volume on a design. This was your first attempt at the seed beaded bezel? Wow. That makes my head hurt just thinking of that! I love this focal. I would agree that it was waiting for just this inspiration!
Enjoy the day!
Erin

Piper said...

Molly, I love the balance you achieved with this piece and it's asymmetry.

In the Light of the Moon said...

Wow I love love love the beaded bezel and the touches of fabric!!So lovely indeed!!Hugs,Cat

Shirley said...

Well, I don't know how I missed you on Deryn's site, and on your blog! I love your interpretation of the photo. Big kudos for the beaded bezel, I still haven't done that yet. I just adore the flowers, they really make this piece unique. You did a fabulous job!!

My Life Under the Bus said...

OMG Opulent indeed completely stunning!!! Beautiful job!