Up for the challenge

The Art Bead Scene challenge really spoke to me this month. Typically, I don't make the time or effort to participate but this months inspiration sparked my interest and I love the hues of blue.

source

"Two Acrobats with a dog" by Pablo Picasso, 1905

The painting sparked the nostalgia of my youth. Not that I ever recall seeing any acrobats, but that I, myself considered myself an acrobat. No, I didn't walk any tightropes but I did love gymnastics, still do, and climbed the walls...literally! 

For my piece, entitled Circus Life, I pulled all the elements from the painting that I love...the geometric, diamond pattern, a splash of rosy orange, sand, and lots of different colors from the blue family.

Circus Life - Sterling Silver Lampwork Wire Wrapped Bracelet

available in my Etsy shop

Lots of art beads at work here, lampwork beads by  Blue Seraphim, Happy Skull, Catherine Ondrey (who is no longer making lampwork beads), a ceramic bead by Spirited Earth, and I created the diamond clasp connector.

I'm thrilled with this piece, not to mention that it'll wear with lots in my wardrobe...or yours, and I'm totally digging the diamond connector.

Be sure to check out all the entries from this month's challenge on Flickr.

Also, this month ABS is encouraging subscribers to donate a blue bracelet to the 7000 Bracelets Project.  This program offers awareness and support for caregivers of children with rare genetic diseases.

Shelby

My Own Challenge

Did you get around to visit all the wonderful artists participating in the Bead Soup Blog Party? I didn't participate this time...whaaaaaaa! I didn't even sign up to participate:( Don't know why I do this to myself! I make my mind up that I'm not gonna do it, the deadline passes, then...I wish I had. Buyers remorse, or in this case remorse for not buying. But alas, I still hopped, I'll admit I didn't get through the whole list, still working on it.

Instead I created my own little challenge. The challenge was to pick out some beads that have been hanging around for a while and use them. Making the choice of what to pick was difficult enough, as I have a whole stash that need to be destashed. Finally I choose a wonderful set of lampwork beads.

image from beeboo

Gorgeous right? I love these beads! But there is one problem, they are pastel. I don't do pastel, way out of my comfort zone. And yet I continue to purchase pastels, what is wrong with me???

Finally, after much hand wringing and grumbling to myself I emerged with this bracelet. I think I did the beads justice and the bracelet is perfect for spring. 

Easter Egg Lampwork and Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Bracelet

Must remember to challenge myself more often.

So here is my question to you...

Do you purchase pretty beads? Even if they are a color palette that poses a challenge to you?