Tuesday, December 15, 2009

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;)

14 comments:

stregata said...

Love your challenge piece - it is fantastic, I love the beads and it really fits the challenge painting! And love your Christmas decorations! Hope everything is well with you!

Esther said...

Pattie!! perfect entry!! love the combo of vintage clasp and rustics elements!! BRAVO guapa!!

Miss Muggins said...

I believe!

Wildflowerhouse said...

Just a beautiful pc. you made for the challenge. I also love all your decorations and hope your holiday is filled with peace and happiness. Sharon

pam q said...

Love everything about your necklace!!!

Rustic glass, bronze wire and some bling---what else could a person want or need???

Leslie @ Bei Mondi said...

Your bracelet is so earthy and unique. I love the sari silk and those beads are to die for. How wonderful you put up a Christmas tree with the angel baby! She looks great and shines brighter than any star you could have used. And your nativity set is so creative. Love it!

Anonymous said...

the bracelet is gorgeous! i think it's perfect for the challenge.

and your tree is just lovely; i still can't believe xmas is just a few days away!

Charmingdesigns said...

You did a fantastic job!!! It is wonderful. Your tree topper is absolutely adorable. Our baby "P" is so not all right, they dont think it is cerebral palsy but they cant rule it out. At least they finally admitted her. Poor little thing, she is still like a new born, shes 5 mo. old.

LuLu Kellogg said...

You have become quite the jewelry designer! This is really awesome BS!

Love the tree and the curly toe stockings! I don't have the first decoration on my tree in the foyer and its been there for two weeks! I am SO far behind it's not funny but so thankful I have been doing lots of commission work.

Right now I am playing Nursie Nursie to the Commander. He hurt his back earlier today so I am tending to the grumpy!

Love to you, LW and Babies of Fur!
LSxoxo

Diana said...

Great bracelet.....Of course I just love the bling, Pattie, especially when placed in contrast with the rustic beads. Incorporating the unexpected is always fun isn't it? And that tree topper is precious.
Ta Ta
Diana

Cindy said...

Pattie, you outdid yourself with the ABS challenge piece! Seems like you've been holding on to the clay focal for just the right piece and this was it! The Vintaj wire coils and use of the Sari ribbon is really cool. I love this rustic look (in contrast to the rhinestone clasp - a bit of a surprise at the back - great idea!).
What a GREAT idea to creat an advent scene...who would have thought of that, rather than the traditional wreath. I really like how you added the candles in teacups and the Nativity scene in the middle. Have a great weekend!

Ulla said...

What a wonderful challanage! And I adore your christmas display... American with just the right amount of Mexico added in for flavor!
Hugs from California!
Ulla

Narrative jewelry said...

Sorry to be in late Pattie... Your necklace is just gorgeous, i really love its earthy tone and look. And what a funny idea to mix it with rhinestones. Love him really.

xox

Unknown said...

you knocked this months challenge out of the park!! I love it!

Your Christmas tree and decorations are lovely.

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