Artbeads and me

Frankly when I first learned of the Artbeads Design team challenge this round (I have to thank Mikki for giving me a heads up when she posted hers) was "Whats old is New Again" I was a little worried.  I haven't been beading long enough to have old jewelry lying around and I really wanted something unique.  I asked my hubby what he had in his workshop that I could use to make this work and at first all I got was "HUH?" then I told him what Mikki had done and he said he still had some coins from when his father used to travel for work.  Okay but I didn't want to mimic what had been done so what now?  He got all his coins out and there they were.  Two very unique coins that were used in Brazil for telephones.  Well I doubt anyone would have those so cool we have a start on the challenge.  I waited for Duchess to send me my notice all the while leaving them on my tray to see what inspiration would come.  I looked through patterns and there it was a beautiful bracelet from the February issue of Bead and Button.  Nebula by Grace Nehls.  I love to take elements from patterns and use them and this was perfect for me.  The pattern is very well written for what is able to be published in magazines and the diagrams were very helpful and (as I like) there are ways to modify her design to make it work for what I needed to do.  Now what about colors...humm well in comes my sweet hubby again and says "why don't you use the colors that copper turns when you heat it?"  He is so smart!  Off to Artbeads to shop (I love that part!) I chose the most beautiful blue steel delicas and some gorgeous round Toho seeds to match and then totally out of my box I choose antique copper links and chain and I have to tell you that when I received them I was so excited they are gorgeous!  Oh I didn't tell you that on the coin is an etching of an old rotary telephone how cool is that?  So here is my piece I have decided to call "Dialed Up"

I will tell you that this is the first time I have bezeled with delicas and I love it.  Oh an I also rubbed out and polished the coin to preserve it.  I have to say that I did go out on a limb for me but I really like everything about the necklace and it wears so well.  ( I am wearing it today) I am also working on a bracelet to match. Although I am not so sure on how I am actually going to put it all together yet.  Any Ideas?

Once again I have to thank Duchess and the Artbeads team for including me in their Design Team.  It is a blast and is also helping me "Grow" (my word for the year) as an artist. (still not sure if I am there yet) I am also still a bit nervous about posting this because you should see these other STUNNING creations.

The Beaded Carpet

NEDbeads

LaBella Joya

BeadsForever

These ladies are so amazing artists and I do hope to grow up to be them someday...(LOL I don't intend to ever grow up!)

Disclaimer

I am a reviewer of products for Artbeads.com. I received the beads above free of charge. I have used and reviewed this product and my statements are an honest description. I receive no compensation from Artbeads.com for my endorsement as it pertains to the product above.