September 17, 2011

Bead Soup: A Necklace Only A Mother Could Love...

Welcome to my Bead Soup project! Thank you to Lori Anderson for organizing such a great blog/bead event! If you have had thoughts about participating and have not yet, let me say that I've enjoyed myself. My work may suggest otherwise and I think this may be one of those "what not to do" situations...

I would like to start by saying, I had the best intentions. I planned ahead and had a definite idea of what I wanted. My project had other plans. It may not be as bad as I think it is, or it is worse. I can't decide. A big "THANK YOU" to Caitriona Meek "The Queen of Sawing Sheet Metal"  for showing me how to saw sheet metal. I probably should have brought an extra sheet to her house as a precaution, because that was step one and it all sorta went down hill from there (I can laugh about it now). I was trying to be careful but managed to saw a kind of amoeba shape not the perfect comma shape that I had drawn on the sheet. I mean I traced around it for goodness sakes! 


It was all going fine and dandy until I noticed a small space of the bezel hadn't got enough solder under it and instead of popping the piece out of the bezel, I... torched it. Yep. It popped and cracked and scared the pooh outta me. "Why didn't you take it out before you added heat?" Yep. Why indeed! 


Yep. It cracked. I know! I know! I was in a hurry! Luckily the bezel is holding it all together... I should have turned the fossil around and had the rounded side poking through. Should'a, could'a, would'a!



And yes. Those are earrings made from the clasp set Dot sent me. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I was told I had to use the focal and the clasp and dagnabit it, that is what I did! I'm not trying to be cheeky, I just put all my eggs in the "solder the bezel" basket. So there you have it! Soup to "nuts" Please jump over to my Bead Soup partner Dot Lewallen!

Here is a link to the other artists on this Bead Soup blog hop! Thanks for stopping by and ENJOY! 





 
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72 comments:

  1. KristiBowmanDesignSeptember 17, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    Oh my that was quite an adventure. But worth it in the end, great pieces!!!

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  2. Lorelei EurtoSeptember 17, 2011 at 4:41 AM

    Hi Gaea! I think it turned out lovely! Very earthy and kind of crusty and cool! Clever idea to use the toggle in the earrings! happy hopping!

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  3. moonlitfantaseasSeptember 17, 2011 at 4:55 AM

    great necklace and what an adventure!

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  4. LesleySeptember 17, 2011 at 4:59 AM

    Well I think it's pretty cool too and you may just have started a new fashion for earrings - good on you!

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  5. NoemiSeptember 17, 2011 at 5:00 AM

    Oh boy! I feel for you. I can imagine how you felt when the thing cracked. mind you it is not as bad as it sounds. At least from the pictures it looks great.

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  6. AnonymousSeptember 17, 2011 at 5:34 AM

    Gaea I think it turned out pretty cool! I'm not going to lie, I did crack up about the bezel/torching as I've been metalsmithing for 4+ years and made my own fair share of silly mistakes. Think of it this way, you learned a really important lesson!

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  7. Kathleen Lange KlikSeptember 17, 2011 at 6:02 AM

    I think it turned out quite lovely! Very ambitious to create a bezel-it is my favorite part! Very organic and beautiful. The silk cord adds a sweet element to it. Clever earrings too.

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  8. Laurie's Jewel BoxSeptember 17, 2011 at 6:38 AM

    The necklace and earrings turned out great! The the organic feel.

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  9. mairedoddSeptember 17, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    i think that when approached with the right intent, one does grow from these challenges... and you did... i admire your desire to set the fossil in a soldered bezel... great job!

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  10. coffeeaddictSeptember 17, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    one tihng's for sure: you had fun with your soup. It may not have turned out the way you planned it but lessons learned along the way are priceless

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  11. Amy FSeptember 17, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    Sorry you had such a hard time, but your post about it had great spirit!

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  12. EmandaJSeptember 17, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    Okay, so you cracked the focal -- it made the piece more rustic, more of an archaeological find, sort of thing. I LOVE it!

    Enjoy the hop,
    Emanda

    http://artemisiastudio.blogspot.com/2011/09/bead-soup-reveal.html

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  13. ShelSeptember 17, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    What an adventure indeed. I think the pieces are very cool! I see no 'mistakes', I just see lovely jewelry!!

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  14. Loris GlassworksSeptember 17, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    It's great! You have created a terrific piece of wearable art. I like your use of color and texture and the 'great' crack does not take away from the piece. Thank you for sharing your artistic process along the way. Cheers!
    Lori

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  15. AnonymousSeptember 17, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    I love your use of color! Beautiful!

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  16. UnknownSeptember 17, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Your adventure sure made a spectacular story and yes your piece is outstanding!

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  17. UnknownSeptember 17, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    I really want to try this on....

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  18. ManekiSeptember 17, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    Oh, I can see that scenario in my head. Played in slow motion, seeing the inevitable but without being able to stop it from happening. Who hasn't done something you know you shouldn't do, but still you do it because you're in a hurry or don't have the stuff to do it the right way and have to do it now anyway? And isn't it typical that it happens with something like this, with something that you have to show -- and on a certain date on top of that...

    But I don't thing it ruined anything from beyond repair so to speak. From the photos all I see is a cool necklace. Not saying it to be comforting, it really is. I like the rustic look of the metal. Makes it look like the fossil is embedded in stone like when it was found. The beads add colour and contrast in an interesting way.

    And a fun way to use the clasp. As we say in Sweden alla sätt är bra utom de dåliga. ("All ways are good except the bad ones".) It was a different way, but sure enough not a bad one. I think it looks neat.

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  19. la mar de bonitaSeptember 17, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    I like the way it looks like now - surely one of a kind, you'll never get a same like this one! Wonderful earthy colours, I like it very much!
    Greetings, Michi

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  20. RebeccaSeptember 17, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    I think you underestimate your wee necklace - I think it is gorgeous! ANd those earrings are really fun :-) Perfect beader's earrings!

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  21. VSSeptember 17, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    What a beautiful soup you made my friend, your work is truly stunning!! Thanks for sharing & all I can say is yummmmmy!!!

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  22. Michelle MachSeptember 17, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    Oh, that sounds like something I would do! I am always in a hurry! It still looks good--very rustic like you *meant* to make it that way!

    Good "save" with the earrings. Unmatched earrings are in!

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  23. KayzKreationzSeptember 17, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    So sorry about the crack in your focal, but I think it turned out great anyway. Love the necklace design. And the earrings with the clasp are really cute.

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  24. Michael and Cherrie Fick September 17, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    That is a cute story and one to encourage the best of us. It turned out interesting and cool at the same time. Just goes to show what challenges are all about. Fun.

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  25. Riki SchumacherSeptember 17, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    This is what Bead Soup is all about I guess, trying something new! Great job, so proud of you for giving it a go. I love the necklace, add character that it is cracked. I see you're in Ojai, somewhat of a neighbor, I'm in Pismo Beach! Take care, Riki

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  26. AmandaSeptember 17, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    I think it turned out lovely! Kudos to you for trying something totally new and different for your soup design :)

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  27. Angel WhispererSeptember 18, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    Thats funny... You using the clasp for the earrings just like I did with my soup :)!! I do love this necklace AND I am certainly not Your mother :) ...like the imperfect - interesting - as I wrote in a blog-post some time ago !

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  28. JenniferJanglesSeptember 18, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    I think it turned out great!

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  29. UnknownSeptember 18, 2011 at 7:13 AM

    Looks fine to me!

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  30. DanaSeptember 18, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    I think you did great with your soldering and even if you did fire your fossil, he turned out fine. I also really like how you used the clasp as earrings. Just funky.

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  31. Malin de KoningSeptember 18, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    I LIKE the toggle in the earrings. It's fun! And for the necklace I can only say - I like it a LOT! It is a beautiful and exciting piece. You are brave trying a new technique like that ... or just a bit stupid getting enthusiastic like that ... ;-) ... very much like myself ... I could have been exactly in your position actually ... and it makes me feel good that I am not alone. Especially since your pieces are very very likable! Thanks for sharing your story Gaea.

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  32. MaggieSeptember 18, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    Hard lesson learned with your soldering, but it is such a stunning piece and I love how you decided to capture the focal in metal.

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  33. CraftyHopeSeptember 18, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    Cracked or not, your piece turned out wonderfully! I do love the fossil's design. First tries are always a learning process and it sounds like you definitely learned from it. Heck I learned from this too!! ;)
    The earrings are pretty interesting just as they are. . .

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  34. Lori AndersonSeptember 18, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    You did a GREAT job and really went out of your way to do different things. I've had two classes (a total of only six days) doing that kind of sawing and soldering, and I can say -- you did well. I really like what you did, and you should be proud of your ingenuity.


    I hope you'll join me next time! The badge and dates will be posted tomorrow, the 19th!

    Love, Lori

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  35. BobbieSeptember 18, 2011 at 2:11 PM

    What a great way to feature the ammonite (okay, perhaps a way that doesn't put you in danger would be a little wiser, but what fun is it if there's not EXCITEMENT involved?). And I love the fun use of the clasp. All in all, it's great stuff!

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  36. Shannon ChomanczukSeptember 18, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    Wow Gaea you were very brave! I think it turned out great and thanks for sharing the story along the way!
    Beautiful necklace.
    Shannon C

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  37. My Life Under the BusSeptember 18, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    Hi Gaea It looks even more fossilish ( is that even a word) you didn't ruin anything! I always break things with my man hands...lol

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  38. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    Oh my Gaea! I'm glad you survived your soldering adventure and that you didn't give up.... the necklace is STUNNING!

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  39. elisabeth September 18, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    What a great adventure and the necklace came out great! Definitely one of a kind, and I mean that in a good way!

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  40. WendySeptember 18, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    Wow, the thought of sawing on metal scares me, lol. Your design is not only beautiful but incredibly original and unique! Great job! :)

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  41. TracySeptember 19, 2011 at 3:17 AM

    Thanks for sharing your story, and your lovely design...you survived to tell the tale ;)

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  42. AliceSeptember 19, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    Amazing! I think that crack adds charachter. I love all the colors and textures!

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  43. I LOVE color!September 19, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    Here it is after 6:00P.M. on Monday and I am only 1/3 the way thru the list.
    Love your designs and I love the colors the design is so rustic love it
    Be blessed to be a blessing

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  44. UnknownSeptember 19, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    I don't care what you say, I love it!

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  45. Shay StoneSeptember 19, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    Way to go for trying something new. It looks great even when broken!

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  46. flyingbeaderSeptember 20, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    You know I think I like the fossil all cracked now that I see what you did to it. Looks great.

    let me know if you need to practice more with fossils. I have a few more of these pieces.

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  47. MariannaSeptember 20, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    I think they turned out great! The adventure made me laugh :) Beautiful job!

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  48. ShirleySeptember 20, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    Oh, I had so much fun reading that! I'm sure it was frustrating at the time, but I really think it came out well. It's interesting, and old looking. Of course, you'll never be able to do that again! Thanks for sharing the process. And I would totally wear it in a heartbeat!

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  49. Sweet FreedomSeptember 20, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    I like what you have going on there - I think it is very funky and creative!

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  50. BeadbugSeptember 20, 2011 at 6:20 PM

    I feel your pain but I bet you learned a lot :)

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  51. T...September 21, 2011 at 5:11 AM

    love your creation, the colours and what you've done to create the focal...wow

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  52. Christine AltmillerSeptember 21, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    you are so creative and have fantastic style! what a fabulous necklace!

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  53. ChristineSeptember 22, 2011 at 5:35 AM

    Your focal turned out great - love the colors you used with it! Love the earrings - very clever!!

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  54. Lyn FoleySeptember 22, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    I think it is much better than your harsh assessment - fun even, and it you hadn't told me about the burn-out I would never have known. Good save.

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  55. ShymeSeptember 22, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    I think the focal turned out just great even though it cracked... :)It is a lovely necklace!!

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  56. BeadaholiqueSeptember 22, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    Gaea, I'm not a mother... but I certainly love this necklace! Great work! :)

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  57. beautifullybrokenmeSeptember 22, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    I really love your completed set - it is very organic and colorful and interesting, and I always think that jewelry should be nothing else if not interesting, right? I would definitely wear this set - beautiful job! :)

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  58. LeeLu CreationsSeptember 22, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Very rustic! I like it.

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  59. SoulsFireDesignsSeptember 23, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    Very unique and fun! I love it! Great earthy colors! :) And on a side note, I used to live in Ojai LOL. Such a beautiful place :) Great job on your soup, you are a creative whiz! (as for the crack, oops, but it still looks amazing!)

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  60. StaceySeptember 23, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    Ok - it is not as bad as you think - or even bad at all! It's beautiful! Bummer that the shell piece cracked but the patina and shape and textures on that piece ROCK!! Also really love the links and bits of chain with the cord closure! Very beautiful - of course you should love it like only a mother should but I love it too!!! :)

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  61. AnnSeptember 24, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    You made something very interesting and organic even though you had a glitch. Nice work, nice recovery.

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  62. TerriSeptember 25, 2011 at 4:33 AM

    I love this. All the work that went into creating this necklace..so artistic!!..you are a delightfully funny lady. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride of your adventure! Sometime we look at something and really have no idea what it to get it that way. Soup-er job!

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  63. Marie CrampSeptember 25, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    You are not giving yourself enough credit! The whole thing is actually very cool! It was an adventure! That's how you have to look at it. It was not what you planned, but it is fun and funky and and absolutely wearable! I would wear it with a smile on my face!! <3

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  64. MichelleSeptember 28, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    I'm sorry to hear about the crack...but it's still beautiful. I love the rustic feel to it.
    Michelle

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  65. AnonymousOctober 2, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    The soup turned out beautiful, even with the "mistake...." And I love the clasp earrings! What a cute idea!

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  66. ChrissyOctober 2, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    There are no such things as mistakes from what I have always been told...LOL Your pieces are very beautiful, the crack just adds more character.

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  67. AquariartOctober 2, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    I love fossils, that is really cool surrounded with copper and I like the dangles too. Nice Soup!

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  68. AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    You faced this challenge with the right intention: trying something new. You did it and you must be proud of you and of your piece. Cracked or not, I think you did a nice job!
    Ambra

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  69. DaviniaDesignOctober 6, 2011 at 6:19 AM

    You had a gorgeous idea.
    You'll see, next time it will all go much better.

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  70. Sweet Willow DesignsOctober 6, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    Still making the rounds and tasting all the soups! Love the way you transformed the focal. Very nice design.

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  71. EB Bead and Metal Works, LLCOctober 11, 2011 at 3:57 AM

    Our motto is "Improvise, Adapt and Overcome" and you did a wonderful job! Love what you did with the clasp to create the earrings! Awesome design!!!

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  72. SkyeOctober 22, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    I think it turned out lovely :) And you're not the only one to use their clasp as earrings..I've seen a few you've done the same!

    Well now you've not only made a lovely piece... but you've learned about sawing metal... and what not to torch ;)

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