Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Hooray for Bollywood!

When the etsy beadweavers announced the September challenge, Bollywood, I was thrilled! I had so many fantastic ideas for bollywood fashion it was hard to choose just one! When I think of Indian jewelry I think of bright colors, mirrors, and bells. Fuchsia and purple were at the top of my list for colors. Mirrors were always my favorite part of embroidered clothing, and bells seemed to always announce when the wearer had arrived.
So when I combined these things, this is what I came up with! I found mirrors at JoAnns in their mosaic department. The larger ones in front are 1 inch, and the smaller ones towards the back are 3/4 inch. I bezelled them all, and then started to sew them all together.
I wanted the center to be a bit larger then just the mirror, so I took some memory wire, covered it in aquarium tubing, and then covered that in peyote stitch. It seemed to work well with the circular motif, so I used some netting to hold the mirror in place. After all the mirrors were connected I added netting with bells to the bottoms of the center mirrors. The rest of the larger mirrors in front I added 4mm swarovski bicone fringe to, just to up the sparkle quota. In the back I added a peyote toggle and bar for the closure.
I decided though, as I was finishing up, to not stress the deadline and leave it at home while I went to visit my sister for the Labor Day weekend. We had a great time, and I don't regret my decision at all. It will still get listed on etsy, just in my own sweet time! (which must be today!)
Old habits die hard, so here at the end of the post I confess my inability to stay on top of my Bead Journal Page. I know I am not the only one to fall behind, but my guilt comes from knowing that I certainly am not TRYING to keep up....So anyways, here's June...
June is the month that I married my wonderful husband. On June 26Th, 1999 (hence the numbers at the bottom) Brian and I were married. He is my best friend, and soul mate so I dedicated this one to him. He doesn't like the colors, but they were the colors we were married in (me in white, him in black, and the bridesmaids in burgundy). The center heart is also a locket, which I plan on getting our wedding photo shrunk down to fit because it can still open.

And here's July!...
This little turtles celebrating the 4Th of July! The flag that its holding is actually a pin that was my Grandmas. Kind of looks like its being waved, huh? The yellow bugles are supposed to be fireworks going off, and the stars and moon are sequins from a stash of things my mom gave me long ago.
I still don't have August started, or even have an idea for that matter...but I'm sure I will think of something. As soon as the gears in my head slow down a bit, I'm sure it will come to me, right?

4 comments:

SharDon Exclusives said...

I just wanted to let you know that I made a sunflower and posted yours referencing your blog. I hope you will enjoy it.
Sharon

a2susan said...

Hi, Gretchen. I love your Bollywood piece. I didn't remember seeing it in the entries and then read that you didn't sweat the deadline. I think it very nicely reflects the Bollywood culture, and I love that it is so colorful.

I also really like your BJP's. So much detail and thought has gone into them. Black, white, and burgundy look very rich together, and seem to reflect the richness of your marriage.

Susan

Annesphamily said...

You are quite talented. I really like the beautiful treasures you design with beads! Thanks for sharing. Anne

antonella said...

Your works are great!! Bravissima! Ciao dall'Italia, I'm following you.