Finished Challenge Project & A Wee Bit Of Christmas

This is the first time I have been able to submit to the monthly art challenges of The Art Bead Scene Blog. The one requirement they have is there must be at least one art bead in your design. I have very few (more like close to none) art beads. But this month's challenge is based on a painting by Lee Krasner "Untitled". The copy I have under my necklace doesn't do it any favors but if you look at the one on ABS blog you can see that the colors are much richer and deeper. The white markings look a lot like the decorations used in many different African Nations by the indigenous people in their cultural art. I just happen to have a hand made clay bead that was made for me years ago by a nurse from Namibia. She also made the small dark blue clay beads with the white markings. Sooooo finally I have a bead that fits the requirements and works perfect with the challenge art work. :)

I strung the beads on a torn strip of vintage sari silk. The coils are 18 gauge bronze Vintaj wire The blue and dark brown beads are hand made African glass beads. I found both strings in Asheville when we were in the States last month. I LOVE them. I think they show off the raw beauty of what a bit of sand and fire can create. They are very crude and really haven't been fru fru or sissified up!

For the clasp I decided to use 2 vintage rhinestone earrings. One because I never choose doing the predictable when I have a choice. I also couldn't help but notice the chameleon nature that glass is. No matter, how simple or elaborate, what it's used for or what form it is given it all starts out as simple grains of sands.

How about a couple of pictures of how our little tropical patio is getting into the Holiday mood. Oh but what is that I see perched way up there on the top of the Christmas Tree??? ;) Could it be......

Well yes it most certainly is......

Our little Misfit Angel has indeed become the tree topper. Seeeeee if you believe in yourself and trust in your own abilities you really can make your dreams come

true ;)

I love to borrow and blend the traditions of different cultures. So this year our "Advent Decoration" (wreath) are the four advent Sunday's candles in hand painted china cups from Japan. In the center is our hand made Mexican "Nativity Scene"

It's made in the traditional style and created by the indigenous artists in the state of Oaxaca.

Have a most audacious today or tomorrow depending on where in the world you are p;)