Sunday, January 1, 2012

Hammered Bead Frames


Bead frames in soldered hammered sterling.

Torn between tough leather wraps or elegant matching pearls, these have sat for over a year.
Used for a project that made it into the Belle Armoire Salon section of their Jan./Feb. 2011 issue, I called the leather wraps Urban Cowgirl, inspired by Pinky who came trouncing out of her room in a froo-froo tutu and leather cowgirl boots.
This is the one I wear;


The plans that are on hold;
Do you see my dilemma?
So maybe it is time to let go and let someone else?

Yes, indeed! A give-away.......
12" of deer hide leather in soft brown, 
a 15" strand of pale green rice freshwater pearls, 
1 free form faceted nugget of New Jade and 
its own custom fit bead frame of hammered sterling.
Leave me a comment letting me know what your idea is for the materials above!
I will draw a number next Friday and ship all of it to you if your name is drawn.
I hope you all have a happy new year and that the year 2012 surpasses all your hopes and expectations!  

38 comments:

  1. Well, i just got some waxed linen cord, so I'm thinking something with that?!?! That looks fun to play with

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  2. May the New Year bring you and the kids peace, good health, joy and happiness. Secondly, these are wonderful, love how they can frame pretty much any size and shape of bead. My idea would be a simple necklace using the framed bead as a pendant, but maybe asymmetrical.... mmm! Lovely, nevertheless! Hugs!

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  3. these are beautiful shannon, what a generous giveaway! should i be chosen, this luscious rustic feminine mix would be perfect for a necklace that would help me to celebrate my femininity - something i am trying to rediscover and connect with...

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  4. Hi Shannon- happy new year. I see a wrap around bracelet using both the leather and the pearls. A little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. lol (Don't think you're old enough to remember that) Those bead frames have a lot of possibilities. Nice.

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  5. Love the cranberry pearls with the blue and cranberry pendant. Is that an agate of some sort? It's stunning. I would love to see the green pearls with both the deer hide and prehite - that would be so cool!

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  6. Thinking of you and hoping 2012 brings you peace and healing. I think the bead frames look the beat with the pearls, maybe in multi-strands as a necklace or bracelet. Be gentle with yourself.

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  7. i would work up an assymetrical piece using *all* the ingredients. something off center and little bit edgy. i love those bead frames! so beautiful.

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  8. Out of the pictures above I am especially keen on the combo with the dark large bead, dark pearls and squarish frame. Perhaps a bracelet with two strands of the pearls for that one?

    Otherwise the last one is a favorite. Beautiful shapes and colors to combine. If I were to use them I would try to make a necklace. The leather doubled on the left side with the frame and the nugget at the bottom, still sitting at the side of the necklace. Then continuing with the pearls down and then up again on the right side. I would probably have to work on the weighting so that the necklace would stay like that when worn, adding other beads at the back maybe, a clasp, and/or perhaps a few smaller heavier metal beads I have in my stash sort of mixed in with all the pearls. It would be a medium long necklace, size Matinee (20-24 inches). I still haven't got a clear image on how I would attach the strands to the frame, but maybe so that one would sit on each loop of it, meaning that I would perhaps add another strand of something on the right side of the necklace. Perhaps just small seed beads that color wise would help bring out the other colors in the necklace. Or I would use waxed linen cord to set the jade bead inside the frame and then let the cord continue out for some kind of attachment to the other parts/strands.

    Anyway Shannon, I adore these frame components of yours. Thank you so much for having such a generous give away. A very positive start of the new year. It really puts me in a good spirit. :-)

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  9. I wish you a very, very happy new year with tons of luck, success and love!

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  10. With that first focal, I really love the pearls with it and would try to wrap the focal into the frame in some fashion and add the pearls to the necklace. With the 3rd one I love both the leather and pearls. I'm not sure what I would do for sure with it yet, but I know I would try to incorporate both into that one. They're both great.

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  11. Hi Shannon, I can see what you are saying in the design aspect. So if I were to be the luck one to receive this wonderful giveaway, I would use both the pearls and the leather in a necklace. I would also throw some seed beads into the mix as well.
    All the best to you in 2012,
    Therese

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  12. beautiful frames, I get why it's so hard to decide, I'm torn myself, what about a combo of both?

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  14. Happy New Year! What a wonderful giveaway! I love all of it. I would like to see both leather and beads incorporated in the design.

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  15. I would mix the pearls with the leather for sure. I would make holes all along the leather and wire pearls in top and bottom. Good Luck everyone.

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  16. I am absolutely of a mind to mix the two! What a fabulous look that would be :) Of course the execution may be harder than the forming of the idea, but who's not up to a challenge!! :)

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  17. That peacock pearl combination is stunning! Love Malin's bracelet idea, Wow! With the gorgeous giveaway, I'm now thinking 3 short strands of the pearls, then the bead frame, then a corresponding length of silver chain, and both sides hanging from the leather. But dangles would be another idea. Thank you, thank you!

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  18. I am a sucker for pearls and would love to see the pink pearls highlight the pink/purple/blue focal. However, the leather would give it another look entirely. I have to vote for a mixture. I'm sure whatever you decide will be stunning.

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  19. Love this!! I'd use it all. I'd have to make a necklace with leather doubled on one side of the frame/pendant and a few pearls on the other. Likely incorporating some of my own hammered swirls with the pearls, so they are not so prominent. It would be worn w/ pendant hanging to the side... maybe drop a couple pearls from the frame as well. :) Wishing you a happy, healthy, PEACE filled New Year.

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  20. I need to hold them to decide how... but I would want to incorporate both the leather and the pearls definitely! Maybe see what I can make in the way of a wrap... I love wraps!

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  21. Happy New Year Shannon. I hope this year is the best year ever for you and the kids. You guys sure deserve it. I love the bead frames! So many possibilities....I am thinking something feminine with an edgy flair....that definitely for the beads and the leather.

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  22. Those bead frames are absolutely gorgeous! If I were to be the lucky chosen one, I would make a bracelet....with the bead frame as the focal...wire wrapped with sterling silver chain, and the pearls used as dangles. Again, the frames are gorgeous!

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  23. I'm seeing this as a bracelet with the leather - multiple strands - and some smaller accent seed beads (perhaps a strand or two of those) - the pearls seem to overpower the New Jade piece - I am really wanting this to feel more earthy (down to earth) and comfy. LOVE the soft pale jade with that dark brown leather!!! So cowgirl-ish. The pearls may be a touch on the too elegant side (not so cowgirl). Remember the gal who wears this has to be ready to saddle up and ride herd - take care of business on the ranch, etc. Hehe - well that's my 2 cents. Hope I win!!!!

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  24. Shannon, I made some of these frames after your article published and now I'm inspired to make some more. Green is not usually my color, but this jade with the pearls is gorgeous! I'd use leather, pearls and pendant together! Have a great new year, Shannon!

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  25. Thank you for the possibility of receiving these beautiful and rich components. Wishing you a year with many new possibilities as well-
    I'm thinking of just a few pearls- maybe even just one pearl drop from the bead frame- with the leather. Less is more... a simple, symmetrical statement of self.
    Shelley
    katgab79@gmail.com

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  26. Hmmm..Since I've really been into pendants lately...a nice simple wire wrap of the stone/frame (maybe a few pearls dangling off the bottom. Then do up the pearls with some wire and link them together. Use the lacing for the back part of the neckstrap. Get all the great textures and it's a nice everyday wear necklace.

    Michelle

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  27. Happy New Year!

    I see a wonderful rustic bracelet coming from those goodies!

    thanks for the chance. (those frames totally rock)

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  28. I see the problem, and must agree with the group. Leather AND pearls would go well together. Your bead frames are fabulous, and would , of course, go with anything!!
    Happy New Year to you - hoping for a fresh new beginning for you and your family!

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  29. Wowza- I was just popping in to say how amazing these were, and then I see you are hosting a giveaway!! *crosses fingers* Yippee!

    Personally, I think you have to incorporate the leather- it just suits them perfectly, but I LOVE the last pic that shows both the leather and the pearls, and I just love the contrast of the materials. Totally tu-tu cowgirl vibe! Good luck!

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  30. I'd make a bracelet - half leather half pearl with the stone in the center.

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  31. I would love to find a way to mix them all into a bracelet, I like the contrast of leather and pearls, and your frame is just lovely!!!! What a great giveaway!

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  32. Wow, I am thinking that would make an awesome bracelet! What a fun giveaway and I loved looking at your pictures and how you put things together! Happy New Year!

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  33. all your combos are so pretty!! but my fave is the one you are wearing in the photo!! would be fun to work with the colors in the giveaway also....especially since i love green :)

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  34. What a generous giveaway. I am going to be perfectly honest when I tell you I have no clue. I am exhausted and having a really rough go right now so I have no clue what I would do. Sorry I was no help.
    I hope you are having a wonderful 2012
    Shannon C

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  35. I think what you have out is really great too, how about both leather and pearls? Anyways, I would probably frame one of my lampwork beads of course, would love to win, thanks for the chance!

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  36. The frames are awesome :) I first thought necklace using all the components, then decided bracelet. I'd still use all the compenents, but would add some gemstones. Cuz that's just the way I roll. Great stuff! I hope I win :)

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  37. I would make it a little longer with the leather on one side and a combination of beads and chain linked together on the other. OR, I would hang the pendant from the leather and then put a cluster of the pearls and other accent beads at the top of the pendant. swopemelmel@aol.com

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  38. Hopefully I'm not too late to leave a comment. I have some flat stones that I've been hanging on to and not sure what to do with them. I would string them inside these frames and make a necklace (or bracelet - depending on the size) using leather. I think they are great! Thanks!

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