Spring Fever Design Challenge

Beads and Silk that Bay Moon Design Received

Welcome to the Spring Fever Design Challenge!  I was so excited when I found that I had made the cut to receive beads and silk for this challenge.  The rules are simple --make as many or as few designs as you like with your pack of silk and beads, and can add anything you like from your own stash. 

I received 3 packs which consisted of a yellow and white flower focal set from Lesley Watt of TheaElements, a  bird bead set from Caroline of  Blueberribeads and a length of red silk from Claire of Smitten Beads.   Each bead is handmade and individual.  Everyone in this challenge has different beads.

Sweet bird necklace by BayMoonDesign

Caroline's sweet set of birds was a huge challenge.  Why?   I really don't know.  The only thing I knew for sure from the get go is that I wouldn't be using the sweet leaf bead by Caroline because in my excitement of opening my package from the UK,  I broke the leaf within the first minutes of getting it out of the package when I dropped it on the ceramic floor of my condo in Florida.  I was really sad about that!  I  applied patina to some natural brass leaves just in case I might want to use a leaf.  I decided I didn't like any of the patina leaves that I made with the ceramic bird.  I then spotted a ceramic leaf headpin that I have been hoarding for years.  I used it to create the focal.  I can't tell you how many times I redid this necklace.  I shorten the chain.   I used all red beads.  I used red and pink beads.   I switched to green beads.  Then I moved to this combination of green and red which I like the best.  I used metal connectors originally to attach to the chain and then I switched to using beads as the connectors to the chain.   Finally, the necklace came together.  It is in my shop for purchase.

Flower Necklace by Bay Moon Design

 Lesley's beads were a challenge also.  They really look me out of my comfort zone.  I prefer working with small beads and Lesley likes large beads.  This necklace did give me an opportunity to use some large chain links and a clasp by Vintaj, large yellow sea glass by ZnetShows, and Irish waxed linen that I had on hand.  I also used a green piece of fabric with hints of yellow and orange.  

I am adding Claire's red sari silk and Caroline's red bird to my stash.  Even though I struggled with creating these 2 pieces, I am happy them.  They put a smile on my face and look like spring!

Please visit all of the participants and see what they received and created.  Once again, a big thanks to Caroline, Lesley, and Claire for making this public.

Lesley Watt - http://thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.co.uk

Caroline Dewison - http://www.blueberribeads.co.uk 

Emma Quinn - http://patinafinishes.blogspot.co.uk/

Kathy Lindemer - http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.co.uk 

Vicky Roberts - http://thebeadshopliverpool.blogspot.co.uk

Lori Bowring Michaud - http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com/

Leigh Thow - http://jewellrleigh.blogspot.co.uk

Ailsa Jackson - http://katzjewellery.blogspot.co.uk/

Steph L - http://stringaholic.blogspot.co.uk/

Kristi Harrison - http://kristibasket-itsanewday.blogspot.co.uk/

Merja - http://helmiriippuvuus.blogspot.fi

Lucy Haslam - http://faerystone.blogspot.co.uk/

Penny Neville - http://copperpennydesigns.blogspot.co.uk/

Linda - http://earth-shinedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/

Kristen Stewart - http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.co.uk/

Erin Prais – Hintz – http://treasures-found.blogspot.co.uk/

Klassy Joolz - http://klassyjoolz.blogspot.co.uk/

Jenny Argyle - http://keithagnestutorialsdesigns.blogspot.co.uk

Shaiha - http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com

Claire Lockwood - http://www.somethingtodowithyourhands.com/

Patti Gasparino - http://www.mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com/

Suhana Hart - http://www.buttonedupbeads.blogspot.co.uk

Toltec Jewels - JewelSchoolFriends.com