Thursday, May 20, 2010

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.

30 comments:

  1. Super exciting Shannon!
    I know what you mean about the creativity...it is overflowing!
    I haven't voted yet, so I will take a closer look at this.
    My pieces made it into Pearls #10, Stones #14 and Under $25 #12 (which is a piece that my 9 yo daughter and I made together! If I make, I will be sharing the spotlight with her!).

    I just got my goodies in the mail. I don't know how you do it but the colors are so intense. Thank you for sharing your beauty with the world.
    Enjoy the day!
    Erin

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  2. Oh, congrats, Shannon. And you deserve it! regards Stefanie

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  3. I'm not sure why, but in my head I can only hear the word "veranda" said in Southern accent. As in "y'all come on out to the veranda and set a spell."

    The necklaces are both great and you can certainly give Lorelei and Andrew a run for their money. Congrats on being a finalist!!

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  4. These are absolutely fabulous and fun, "simple" and elegant, earthy and artsy!!! Congratulations and good luck:D And really your designs don't take a back seat to anyone so celebrate and enjoy your moment to the fullest!! (I suggest cupcakes or margaritas or both.....)

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  5. oh, shannon - i love your pieces! the polymer clay one especially - prob because i am being drawn to protective style pieces right now... but mimosa is surely lovely... best luck...
    and i really do appreciate your time and meticulous method... artistry for sure...

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  6. I had to look more closely @ your plastics piece yesterday when I saw it. very nice!

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  7. Congrats!! I made it also, and was so excited!

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  8. Well, how wonderful... I found out about this from reading Andrew Thorton's blog and after I reading your post, I realized that I voted for your "Mimosa" necklace. What a pretty piece of jewelry you created! Oh, and I completely agree on the whole veranda concept.

    Keep up the beautiful work :)

    ~Ellen

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  9. Both are beautiful! I love your patina-ted. I'm off to vote.

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  10. How exciting!...Lots of great submissions. Both of your necklaces as fabulous. Good Luck!

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  11. I wish you the best on your submissions! I am honored to have been chosen as a finalist in one division and i am just in awe of some of the Artisans and their ability to create from their soul.
    Best of wishes to you!

    Jess

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  12. I think all of us "Bead stars" enjoy seeing what other people submitted, and knowing who did which pieces. Thanks for posting your beautiful designs. So many good designs this year. I am in metals too, (#14) and a couple of other categories as well.
    Erin

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  13. SO glad you entered! Let nothing hold you back, it's a wonderful piece! (lentils)

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  14. It's awesome how you made polymer clay look like metal!

    Come over to my blog for a chance to win!

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  15. Your pieces are lovely! I hope to enter next year :)

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  16. congrats! I totally voted 4 you. I am also a finalist in two categories! number 13 in GLASS and number 8 in Pearls! Please vote 4 me!

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  17. Holy Cow Shannon! That is soooo impressive! To become the finalist in two categories is nothing more than miraculous. I have seen many posts from very good artists that were rejected. What you have is an unique voice and the judges surely were able to see it. Good luck, I hope you win!

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  18. WOW, I'm so impressed with these pieces. They are really wonderful. Love them both, congrats on making the finals. I'll go vote! I'll bet you win! Take care, Riki

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  19. This site has an excellent beading resource for your business. I just got the beading inventory software. It's very useful.

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  20. Shannon--Congrats on your submissions! They are great!
    Bead Happy!
    Michelle

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  21. I love the Warrior necklace -- totally look like metal. Very cool.

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  22. Oh my! Warrior is just amazing! I'm so proud of you for being a finalist in two categories...you desire it :-)

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  23. Your patina-ed beads are amazing. I was looking over the Bead Star entries and I couldn't believe they were polymer. They look so real.
    Good luck,
    Terry

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  24. Just lovely, and I knew that gorgeous green piece was your work when I was perusing the Bead Star voting site! Best of luck!

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  25. ooooh, you made lentil beads!! i have a serious thing for those, and was actually wondering what was involved in making them with clay. love that necklace! both the fabulous patina, and the combination of that special blue-green with the little red beads. most excellent.

    Yes, mimosas and lavender would be the perfect way to greet the day. a mimosa, and then a nap.

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  26. Oh, I had no idea those beads were polymer clay! Very cool. Good luck!

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  27. Good Saturday morning, I love 'the Warrior' too. You should be proud of it, a lot of work went into this beauty. I have cast my vote. Good luck to you! I also received my beads! love them, love the clasp! I hope you like my selection. I did not take a picture of them, so I hope you do. Looking forward to seeing your creations. Enjoy the weekend!

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  28. Congratulations! I just cast my Missficklemedia votes! It is such an honor just to be in the finals. Hope you win!

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  29. So funny that I know so many talented people like you who placed!

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  30. Good for you! I never enter contests where voting is involved because I can't stand the pressure so I double applaud you.

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Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my blog, it means a lot to me.
Shannon