August Art Bead Scene Challenge

Twelve Princesses on the Way to the Dance

Kay Nieslen

Published in 1923

Watercolor and ink

Twelve Princesses on the Way to the Dance by Kay Nieslen is a watercolor and ink that I love and it is August's Art Bead Scene Challenge inspiration piece. There are so many different elements to focus on in it  First and foremost being a retired children's librarian, I am fascinated by how this work delves into the realms of fairy tales. 

When trying to focus on some elements, Heather Powers sums up many of the choices with the following series of questions:
"Will you pull from the opulent patterns of the dresses? Play with silk ribbon and floral beads inspired by the Princesses? Will you explore the repetitive elements of the tall trees using wire or gather beads mimicking the branches and leaves cascading down from the forest canopy? Will you mix the dark tones of black and grey with the pastel tones of peach, coral, lavender, greens and warm cream hues?"

August Palette

I focused on the tall trees.  I noticed the contrast in shades of dark and light.  I selected the dark tones of brown, black, and gray and contrasted them with warm tones of green, cream, golden yellow.  I also mimicked  the straight lines of the trees by using agate spike beads.

Ceramic Leaf Necklace by BayMoonDesign

 I love the creamy ceramic leaf shaped ceramics.  Unfortunately, these art beads had been hoarded so long that the artisan who make them is no longer with us.  I used the largest of the leaves as the focal. Moss green and brown agate spikes in addition to round light brown jasper beads are found in this necklace.  I had some creamy yellow ceramic beads that I added to lighten up the necklace.  I made the brass clasp which reminds me of the sun.   This  necklace is 18 inches around.

I am happy to say that this necklace sold already.  It was one of those sales that you know you are going to make from the first moment you spot the customer.  I watched the woman smile and walk to the necklace.  She immediately put it on, admired it in the mirror, and bought it.  I could tell it was going to a loving home so I smiled too. 

 I have many other pieces of jewelry for sale in my BayMoonDesign store.  Stop by for a look!