It’s reveal day for the latest of Lisa Lodge ‘s blog hops—the Gemstone and Metal blog hop. In this challenge, Lisa sent us several shapes of one gemstone, and a variety of coordinating metal. My selection included beautiful black-veined jasper in coin shapes, flat ovals and rectangular pillows, and some small faceted square pillows, along with three different shapes of silver plated beads and a silver-plated clasp.
I initially knotted a selection of the beads onto deep red waxed linen, but when I looked at the necklace the small pops of red between each bead didn’t do it for me. I needed a bigger burst of colour to contrast with the silvers and blacks of the beads in the kit. That was on Thursday. After digging through my stash both yesterday and today (Saturday), I finally found a small oval red Czech glass bead that was both the right size to go with the jasper beads, and the right colour red to go with the waxed linen. I don’t have a lot of red beads, it’s not a colour I go to as a rule. And I was kind of bummed that I didn’t have an art bead or focal that worked nicely. The intense blacks and silvery-greys of the jasper were more challenging than I thought they’d be!
But this is where the fun really started. First I didn’t like the spot I had put the red bead into, and pulled it apart. Then I forgot a knot between two beads, and couldn’t undo the last knot I had made, so I snipped it all apart again. Then I thought I had enough waxed linen, but came up too short. So all in all, I started over four times today. And I was very glad to have the “extra” day that comes from being halfway around the world (we won’t talk about how long I’ve actually had the kit)!
I finally finished it late this afternoon just as the light was disappearing, so I was lucky to get a useable photo. But I’m interested to know whether you think there is enough colour in it now? I like it, but it could use a few more red beads I think.
What didn’t I use? The small faceted squares and the tiny silver flowers. I’m sure they’ll find their way into something else at some point though!
Anyway, as always, this is a blog hop and there are a whole bunch of other jewellery designers playing along. Please take some time to visit their blogs and look at what they created! And thank you Lisa for a great challenge!
Hostess: Lisa Lodge, A Grateful Artist
Kim Dworak, Cianci Blue
Marybeth Rich, A Few Words from within the Pines
Karen Grosset Grange, Ginkgo et Coquelicot
Veralynne Malone, Designed by Vera
Katrina Taylor, I Wanna Go Out
Ann Schroeder, Bead Love
Kathleen Breeding, 99 Bottles of Beads on the Wall
Terri Wlaschin, Dances in Fog
Margaret Pelech, Big Margaret
Jo-Ann Woolverton, It’s a Beadiful Creation
Kathy Zeigler Lindemer, Bay Moon Design
Heather Richter, Desert Jewelry Designs
Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn’s Creations
Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends
Melissa Trudinger, Bead Recipes <– YOU ARE HERE!!!
Shaiha Williams, Shaiha’s Ramblings
Chris Eisenberg, Wanderware (May be delayed a few days)
Eleanor Burian Moore, The Charmed Life
Christine Stonefield, Sweet Girl Design
Robin Reed, Artistry HCBD
Laurie Vyselaar, Lefthand Jewelry
Cassi Renee Paslick, Beads: Rolling Downhill
Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons
Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things (May be delayed a few days)
Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Judy Campbell, Macmillanmarie Jewellery Design
Nan Smith, Handmade Jewelry Nanmade
Marde Lowe, FanciMarDesigns
Linda Anderson, From the Bead Board
Leithleach Alainn Seodra, Alainn Jewelry
Lisa E. Prewitt Knappenberger, LiRaysa Designs
Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs
beadrecipes 
First of all, let me say I really admire your persistence. I give up so easily when anything goes wrong. So kudos to you. But also what a really pretty necklace! I love it just the way it is. I think there is just the right amount of red to pop – especially that one big red bead.
I think red was a great choice to compliment the stones you were sent. I admit I would have been stumped in moving away from a monochromatic color scheme. We’ve all been there when it comes to remaking / restringing one piece until you feel you’ve got it right. Your final piece is gorgeous!
I admire your persistence. I rarely like my first design idea. When I actually start to combine the beads, I usually discover something I don’t like. I am glad that you love your finished product. It makes it all worthwhile!
love the pop of red your pieces are beautiful
I love your necklace, the red cord is perfect with it and the single red bead is just right. I had the same problem, I wanted to do red but it’s not a color I use very often so I don’t have a lot of them.
To me, black, white and red are the perfect combination – a color three-way that I turn to often, especially in the Winter months. Your necklace is fantastic – the red cord perfection! 🙂
That single red bead is just perfect! I love your necklace just as it is!
Hi Melissa, I think your necklace is lovely just the way it is. The one red bead, one blue bead, and the red cord make the black and white jasper really attract attention.
I like it as it is – the red cord adds a dimension that make the jasper stand out.
It’s a lovely piece.
~cryssT
Love the gemstones that you had to work with. Great color choice in pairing with Red. I love the sophisticated look of Red accents on Black and White. Great job.
Red seems to be a popular pairing for the black-veined jasper. But your waxed linen pairing is spectacular. I think the one red bead is just enough. The cord gives the rest of the color you need.
I really Really Love that necklace!! I don’t really like [or use] red much but wow it works here!!! I think there is enough red because if you use more it might lose it’s power! Great Job!!! Have a Blessed Day!!!
Ah, the power of a deadline. You met the challenge. I like the red linen lines across each bead.
Very Pretty with the touches of Red and lone red bead. Margaret Pelech
The pop the red gives your earthy black, white & grey gemstones is just the right bang.
Well, it was certainly worth the effort and wait. A very pretty piece indeed.
I like how you used the waxed linen to add color. Brilliant idea!
Pretty necklace, Melissa! The red linen and one red bead add just the right amount of “pop.” Kudos for your persistence. Thanks for being in the hop!
I wouldn’t change a thing. The long red bead along with the red waxed linen gives it just the right touch of color and richness.
I too chose red to go with the black vein jasper. It just works so well! I really admire how many times you re-started your piece, I think it came out really well!!
The red is the perfect complement – beautiful necklace!
Awesome piece! Like everyone else…the red really made the piece pop. I could so wear that! Great job. Thanks for sharing!
veradesigns.blogspot.com
My reveal was an experience in persistence, too! Love your final design — the colorway is so perfectly balanced & the style beautiful. Your gems look great, and I love how you knotted the silver beads within the red linen. Your composition “rocks” ! 😉
The red was a fabulous choice! It really makes the bead selection pop! Love love it!