Bead Star

I told myself there wasn't a chance, not with submissions from the likes of Andrew Thornton and Lorelei Eurto.

I also told myself not to research what won last year or what kind of projects were chosen for the magazine.  I wanted what I designed, created and submitted to be authentically me. From my heart, from my areas of expertise and completely unique.

And wouldn't you know, I made it to the finalist lists of 2 categories!

Metal and Plastics!

My submission in Metals is named Mimosa. Some day I will have a veranda and it will have lavender bushes planted all around it and I will start everyday with a mimosa, the scent of lavender wafting over me. On the veranda. Just say the word; Veranda. Isn't that nice? Anyway, it is made up of forged large and small saffron  copper links, vintage brass chestnut chain links, notched copper violet links, brushed copper beads,  hollow copper beads, pink amethyst, honey jade, and 2 colors of freshwater pearl. 

And for plastics, for that is what polymer clay technically is, I submitted;

Warrior

This was a challenging piece for me. I created all of the hollow polymer clay lentils by baking separate textured halves domed over wood balls. I sanded the edges so they would meet up and assembled them together with more raw clay. The beads were baked for a second time and then the fun started!
Each bead is authentically patina-ted and sealed. They were strung between African glass heishi beads in a contrasting brick red. The clasp was hammered and patina-ted also.
I love this piece and I am personally really proud of it.

Go vote for your favorites here;
http://www.beadstar.com/

I am really looking forward to seeing the pieces that win. The creativity that abounds in people is a constant source of encouragement to me.