1st Cup of Bead Soup with Lisa Boucher of Clayworks

Today is my first showing of work made with ceramic beads by Lisa Boucher of Clayworks.  You can read more about the Cup of Bead Soup project by clicking here.

I knew I was really going to be challenged by this month's beads.  I don't typically work with this style and the bail of the pendant I chose to work with today is a tough one at times to design with.  If you string with it, you have to be sure to but larger holes at the ends of the "tunnel" so the beads don't slide back and forth and you lose your center.  Then you need to make sure the beads aren't too big because you don't want the wire to show when the necklace is held up.  Making wire loops is an option, but then you get an entirely different drape.  All good things to keep in mind!

I wanted to challenge myself with some fiber this time and chose a length of raw linen I got from Stephanie Lee at a class I took with her.  The idea was to create a "caught in the sea by a net" image.  I have no idea if I created that or just created Amateur Hour.

As with most new mediums, I'm apprehensive and fly by the seat of my pants.  I have no idea what I'm doing.  I don't draw out plans.  I just wing it.  And sometimes that makes a really cool piece -- and sometimes it creates a piece that needs some work.  So I welcome your comments on how to make this better.

I started by knotting the linen at the sides of the pendant so it wouldn't slide.  Then I took some smaller pieces of thread and knotted on a few copper spacers, like flotsam caught in the net.

Next I added a ring from Vintaj that I filed to weather it a bit, knotted on the matching ceramic beads, more copper (both strung and knotted on), and finally the clasp at the top.  When I originally received this box of beads, I had plans for the clasp on the side of the necklace, but it just didn't look right this time.

I honestly have no idea what I've created.  Is it interesting?  Is it a flop?  Does it need something?  Should I start all over?  I know what I had in mind but I'm not sure I got there.  Any constructive comments are welcomed -- please don't say "oh lovely you rocked it you are the queen" when you have ideas!  That's how I learn.

One thing that shines, though -- Lisa's beads.  Not a THING wrong with those.  So please visit her at the following sites:

Shop: Clayworks by Lisa Boucher

Blog: Lisa's Clay Happenings

Happy Creating!

Lori Anderson creates jewelry for her web site, Lori Anderson Designs, and wrote the blog An Artist's Year Off.  She's also a contributor to Art Bead Scene.  She is also the creator of the Bead Soup Blog Party.

Cup of Bead Soup with Clayworks (and a lesson via Zack)

What is a "Cup of Bead Soup"?

Well, I wanted to continue the exciting challenge of the Bead Soup Blog Party, but this time for myself, challenging my skills by working with one artist a month.  I receive a package of beads each month, sight unseen, and then I create with them.  I blog here about the creations for a month, explaining techniques, thought processes, and obstacles I meet along the way.  It's also a great way to introduce you to new and exciting beads!

 July's Cup of Bead Soup is sponsored by Clayworks by Lisa Boucher.  I'm excited about working with Lisa's hand-painted clay beads and pendants because when I saw them, I thought about using a stringing form I rarely use -- fiber.  I'm not sure I'll be successful at translating my ideas into reality.


So let's take a look at what Lisa picked out!

I love this pendant with two Atlantic auger shells.  The hues of purple and blue/green are right up my alley.  Zack and I have spent some time searching for shells, beach glass, and shark teeth, and this pendant reminds me of that.

Another sea-themed pendant and more of her pretty beads.  I love these colors!  How about those swirls for the ocean waves?

This is really cool -- not only an awesome pendant, but one of Lisa's handmade ceramic toggles!  I already know the design I want to work with on this one, but still need to figure out if I can execute it.

My challenge with this month's Cup of Bead Soup is going to be transferring what's in my mind to my hands.  I have this problem with drawing as well, and recently Zack and I had a serious discussion about it.  Zack and I share the same perfectionism gene, and while it can be a good thing if controlled and understood, it can be devastating when you're little and each day seems to be your whole world.

It's important when creating, whether it's jewelry design, altered art, knitting, or what have you, to allow yourself to fail.  Some of the most exciting, interesting things have been brought into the world by what at first looks like a mistake.  This link talks about a LOT of cool things -- Post-It Notes, the Slinky, and potato chips weren't made intentionally.   And I just ordered this book to help Zack understand that mistakes aren't the end of the world.

Please visit Clayworks at the following sites:

Shop: Clayworks by Lisa Boucher

Blog: Lisa's Clay Happenings

Happy Creating!

Lori Anderson creates jewelry for her web site, Lori Anderson Designs, and wrote the blog An Artist's Year Off.  She's also a contributor to Art Bead Scene.  She is also the creator of the Bead Soup Blog Party.