January/February 2021 Challenge - New

[DawninCal]

This will be our first challenge of the new year. We have changed our submission dates from the end of the month to the 15th of the month. This challenge will run from January 1 to February 15th. You will have a shorter time frame for this challenge (six weeks instead of eight weeks), but we will get back on track for the next challenge.

Since we are starting a brand new year, your challenge is to try a new (to you) technique, material or tool. At least part of your creation should reflect your use of something new in your jewelry design.

Have fun - looking forward to seeing your creations!



Dawn

[michelle]

Fun..., I think! 😳😂

[caeterle]

6 weeks for a new technique, tool or material? That sounds very ambitious to me right now Especially because I can't think of anything ...

[DawninCal]

Enjoy, Michelle!

Cat, I have great confidence in you; you'll think of something. We play pretty loose with our deadlines, so if you need six weeks and a day, no problem!



Dawn

[michelle]

My new skill. It took me 5 or 6 tries over the last few months - but 3 since this challenge began. I think I will put a vertical strap down the back so that I can put it on a ribbon, and make a choker. I think I’m keeping this one simple. 

[caeterle]

Michelle, you did it and you did it so well, congratulations! I also like the colors you gave her. She's going to make a great choker.


I haven't done anything yet. I have a new tool that I haven't used yet, but don't really feel like using at the moment, and I have a material in mind that I haven't used yet, but don't have.

[lotty64]

That looks fabulous Michelle. Well done on persevering it was worth it.

[michelle]

Thanks so much, Cat and Caroline! I can’t thank you both enough, your tips and encouragement made it so easier to persevere. It’s funny, I really liked the thought of being able to add beaded bezels to my repertoire, and assumed - mistakenly - that they would be easier than wire-wrapped bezels. If anything they are more difficult! But I love the look of the beads with these skeleton faced cabs. And I have a lot of them!

[caeterle]

Oh no, it will be a beading frenzy! Go for it, Michelle!

I still don't feel like playing with the new tool in a new technique as I'm not keen on watching or reading tutorials. I did order the new material which isn't here yet.

For starters I used Magatama beads for the first time, even if in a very simple way. Sometimes I order a surprise mix and this time I got different Magatamas, large and small cube beads (I have always struggled with using the large ones, ugh), large seed beads, drops, Tilas, small bugles, all of it a real challenge for me.
These Magatamas came in a small tube, not enough for a whole bracelet, but the Picasso finish went nicely with that of these larger seed beads. Due to them not being all that regular, the bracelet twists if you put it flat on a surface, but worn it sits nicely.



So if my attempt with the new material doesn't work out, I have at least something to show

[Irith-Rita]

Michelle, congrats on your new pendant. It will look great on a choker!

Cat, I find you handled this new technique with the bracelet very well. It is a wonder to me how you made all the beads stand in one direction without turning in such an orderly way!

[Irith-Rita]

I don't know whether my item will show any special new technique, but I combined two stones from my box and set them one ot top of the other in a new sterling and stones pendant - a Labradorite and Yellow Opal. They were waiting a long for me to do something with them.



I hope you will accept it as a challenge.

[michelle]

Cat, your bracelet is lovely! There is something about the Matagama beads that are making me think of teeth. Very cool! 😄

Irith, your piece is beautiful! I love it!

[Irith-Rita]

Thank you Michelle!

[caeterle]

Thank you, Michelle, I think it's the "antique" bone color of the beads, too. They keep reminding me of a spine like this!

Irith, how beautiful. I love how the opal picks up the golden spot in the labradorite.


I'm still working on my challenge piece. My plan hadn't been that big, but now I'm not sure I'll be able to finish it this weekend.

[Irith-Rita]

Thank you Cat.