Saturday, March 31, 2012

The Colors of Spring

Today is the reveal for the blog hop, The Colors of Spring, hosted by Sally Russick.  Sally makes wonderful beads and she decided that it would be fun to make some up using the 2012 Pantone colors. Since I'm delighted that the Pantone color of the year is Tropical Tangerine, I knew I wanted to participate.  I've loved the color orange for a long time and it makes me so happy to see it as color of the year!  Also, I really love Sally's beads, so it was a win-win for me! 

The set of beads consisted of a lentil, which we were requested to use in our design, and two round beads and two long beads.  I decided I would make a wire necklace so that I could use some of my recently learned wireworking skills. 

Here is what I came up with.


I used two copper beads and two fire polished beads along with all but one of the long beads from the set.  I also used fine gauge orange wire to make two wire wrapped beads.  Out of all of that I made a central component on 18 gauge wire. 


As you can see I put a wire wrapped swirl over the lentil bead.  I was going to use a chain for the necklace but decided to use loosely wrapped 18 gauge wire links to make the necklace.  I thought it looked better with the clasp.


I had decided to use one of the long beads as part of the clasp and I'm pleased with the way it turned out.  Once again I used a simple swirl of wire to keep the bead in place and add some more interest to the clasp.

I'm really pleased with the way this necklace turned out.  Sally's beads are great and I want to thank her for coming up with the idea for the blog hop and hosting it.  Be sure to visit all the other participants to see what they did with their Pantone inspired beads. 


List of paticipants:

Posted by at

21 comments:

  1. kimmykatsMarch 31, 2012 at 7:47 AM

    Maryanne what a warm beautiful piece you have created. With the bright colors in the retail market this summer you are spot on. You have added some very nice wire work to your necklace.

    ReplyDelete
  2. LesleyMarch 31, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    Oh I love the zingy citrus/sherbert colours in this - It makes my mouth water! And what a clever clasp! Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Patti VanderbloemenMarch 31, 2012 at 8:53 AM

    Your focal bead is awesome! i love how she added additional colors to the tangerine! And your wire wrapping is so unique! Beautiful job!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AliceMarch 31, 2012 at 9:00 AM

    Congratulations on learning, and conquering, a new skill! Your necklace is just gorgeous! I love the colors and the design. Your clasp, and the way you showed off the focal is just perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Courtney BreulMarch 31, 2012 at 9:04 AM

    What a great piece, your wire skills are wonderful! The necklace is so summery and fun.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Therese's TreasuresMarch 31, 2012 at 9:26 AM

    Maryanne, I love your necklace very pretty and nice wire work. The pendant and clasp are gorgeous! Did you add the splash of yellow to the lentil bead or did Sally?
    Therese

    ReplyDelete
  7. Christine AltmillerMarch 31, 2012 at 11:05 AM

    i love the wire wrapping and the colors of your piece! it is like a bowl of summertime fruit! bright and happy and juicy! so pretty!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Bits of LearningMarch 31, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    Maryanne! Your necklace with all those vibrant colors is so cheery and fun!!! Beautiful!! The wirework is wonderful, the copper is perfect and that clasp is such a brilliant design!! Great job!!

    I'm so glad that you loved the beads I sent and THANK YOU so much for participating in the hop!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sarah SequinsMarch 31, 2012 at 11:22 AM

    What a darling little clasp! I love the way you wrapped the lentil, too -- very nice. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Shannon ChomanczukMarch 31, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    Pretty and it matches your blog :-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. CraftyHopeMarch 31, 2012 at 11:49 AM

    Your necklace is so FIREY! It really turned out wonderfully. You should be pleased. I especially like the way you did the clasp. Super job!

    ReplyDelete
  12. KepiMarch 31, 2012 at 12:09 PM

    So spring and all my favorite colors. Love the wire. Love love tangerine.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Donna BradleyMarch 31, 2012 at 12:45 PM

    Love the vibrant look of this necklace! So warm and HAPPY!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Elysian StudiosMarch 31, 2012 at 12:51 PM

    The copper was a perfect match for your beads- I love all of the ways you used your new wire skills to make such a wonderful, colorful necklace!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Michael and Cherrie Fick March 31, 2012 at 2:44 PM

    I agree with Erin, The wire work i wonderful. Great way to accent this design.

    ReplyDelete
  16. ShymeMarch 31, 2012 at 4:11 PM

    Beautiful necklace!

    ReplyDelete
  17. JLYNNJEWELSMarch 31, 2012 at 4:37 PM

    Love the bright colors and playfulness of your design - so much fun! ~JLynn

    ReplyDelete
  18. elisabeth March 31, 2012 at 10:32 PM

    What a bright fun piece!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SueBeadsApril 1, 2012 at 6:20 PM

      Hey Maryanne - great job, and great wire work! Pretty and fun!

      Delete
  19. CillaApril 1, 2012 at 8:03 PM

    I like how you used the bead in the clasp. Very nice. You received a very different focal with two colors instead of one.

    ReplyDelete
  20. PocketSizeApril 3, 2012 at 9:20 AM

    That turned out so cool! I especially like the coiled swirl over the big orange lentil bead.

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear from you! Let me know you've been visiting.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)