Sunday, May 11, 2014

2014 Bead Soup is Done

This year my bead soup partner really stretched my creativity.  Nancy Olliver, better know as "The Mosaic Mermaid, sent me a box of beads, broken China, and two bangles.  The box was packed so nicely that it took two days before I tore into it.
Unpacking the Box


I have to say I was a little scared to get started, and after a few emails to the queen of mosaic, I jumped in.  Did I say that Nancy wrote the article "From Broken to Beautiful" in the Jewelry Affaire Magazine, Spring 2013.

What a box of Treasures!!!!!

First, I had to break the China into smaller pieces to go around the bracelet.  I have to say it was like a puzzle making the China, beads, and broken jewelry onto the bracelet.

Before Grout added

I could wear it just like this

Above are my two bracelets before I used the grout.

So I know your waiting for the big reveal, Drum Roll please................................................





29 comments:

Krafty Max Originals said...

Very nice, I like them both, it would be hard to choose! I never even thought about using grout in a creation, but in yours....it works!! They are amazing! ~KM

Unknown said...

Such an intricate bracelet ! I can't say I've ever worked with china before. I would have been so afraid to shatter it into tiny bitsy pieces !

Anonymous said...

wow what an amazing challenge to use broken china and they look very pretty

Cheryl said...

Wow radical ingredients good pairing Lori!

coffeeaddict said...

love the use of china pieces! bold designs

Kokopelli said...

So nicely wrapped! Lovely pieces you made.

Kepi said...

Beautiful artistic pieces, very creative.

Barb Fernald said...

Broken china?! Dang! You really made that work out nicely. The bangles are clever and pretty. Amazing job!

Linda A. said...

how creative to use grout! and i love the idea of the china - I'd never have known what to do with it - but that's brilliant!

Linda A.
http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
http://cherryOnTopDesign.co

Tammy Adams said...

How absolutely beautiful. I think I may have to try mosaic jewelry now.

Unknown said...

Natalie I absolutely love what you did! You totally rock!

sheilaposter said...

I love mosaic. Your use of it on bracelets was so creative

Unknown said...

Such a unique concept and it turned out beautifully. I love both bracelets.

Terri said...

You have been so inventive and creative with your bead soup! You did a Soup-er job!

Chandra Merod said...

Great soup and how fun to have a specific project to work on like this! I love them and would love to try mosaic bracelets sometime. Beautiful :)

Esfera Jewelry said...

Very interesting and artistic pieces!

Anonymous said...

Gosh! I'm crazy about bangles and I sure would love to make one like this. It is just beautiful.

Susanm said...

Both bracelets are stunning. Congrats for being so creative and embracing the challenge.

Lori Anderson said...

Oh my gosh! I would have been totally lost! The only thing I would have thought of was soldering it with copper tape and I really can't do that very well at all!

I LOVE how you worked well outside of your box and made some truly lovely pieces.

THANK YOU!

Christine said...

Wow, what a fun idea - great job!

Ruth Szapa said...

Very creative! and pretty!

BluMoon said...

Wow what an unusual bracelet so pretty and creative, well done!
Jackie

Ann Schroeder said...

These are amazing! I love them. I wish I could see them in person because there is so much to look at. I hope you had as much fun as these look.

Monique (A Half-Baked Notion) said...

OMG, Natalie, I've seen broken china used in jewelry, but never like this! You made such an original and funky/feminine piece :)

Unknown said...

Wow, this is very special! I love the way you worked with the China... Very elegant bracelets, you're ready♥ for summer!

Unknown said...

Hi Natalie, I would never had even thought of that!!! What an amazing design! Great Job! Have a Blessed Day!!!

CraftyHope said...

What a really cool way to use your soup. I would have never come up with a unique solution and design. Amazing!!

bairozan said...

What a challenging soup! I have seen and admired broken China creations but I wouldn't know how to use them if I got some! You have created a beautiful mosaic with it and the rest of your soup - vintage and feminine!

Becky Pancake said...

Hi Natalie, You did a wonderful job with your bead soup. I like both of your bracelets. i would not have thought of using the broken china in that way.