Saturday, September 29, 2012

Blog Hop: Sequintastic

Like any self-respecting beader ... I like to torture challenge myself with pushing the limits of what I can create. Working with sequins might just be out there somewhere in the mists of Avalon. 


















I started small. I decided that I wanted to have a cascade of sequins coming down from a large shell. But as I connected the sequins ... one) they kept slipping off the shell, and two) they kept bunching up in a cluster. I gave up after much swearing and claimed that it was exactly what I meant to do, and duplicated my mistake pattern with a second earring.

Next I pulled out some grosgrain ribbon. I decided that sequins were made to be sewn, and I moved on to a bracelet. I added a velvet ribbon down the middle with freshwater pearls lining each side. I figured I should just go with the whole medieval maiden thing and added a ribbon as the closure. Now if you happen to have a 'ladies maid' to tie it on in the morning; you'll be all set.

I have such a new found respect for Sarah's work with sequins. Her work is quite amazing, but now that I've tried my hand at working with sequins, I can honestly say I have no idea how she does it?! After several stabbings (by my needle), multiple ripping out of my pattern, corrective stitching of wayward beads, I am willing to admit complete and utter defeat to the sequins. I am going back to wire wrapping and stringing. 

For the rest of the participates in the Sequintstic blog hop please click here for list on Sarah's blog

36 comments:

  1. I think you did an awesome job with all of your projects! The bracelet is my favorite -- what a great use of those little paillettes! I could see a choker in that style, too.

    Thanks for joining us for the blog hop, and thank you for your kind words about my work! If you decide you'd like to give sequins another try after all, let me know -- I can give you some pointers. :)

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  2. I am not one to normally give hints on Ladies Fashion and Style pages, but in this case I must.

    It's one word.

    Superglue.

    And you could always much Panatone while you are working. it helps concentration so I've been told.

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  3. I am not one to normally give hints on Ladies Fashion and Style pages, but in this case I must.

    It's one word.

    Superglue.

    And you could always munch Panatone while you are working. it helps concentration so I've been told.

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  4. I thought they were very pretty Cynthia!

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  5. Love those shell earrings with the sequins, very beautiful and shimmery.

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  6. I really like the earrings- they look very naturalistic and organic.

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  7. Hi Cynthia,
    Beautiful work! I love the earrings even though this was not the design you had envisioned, they turned ourt great. The bracelet is so darling I love it too and like Sarah said I too can see a choker.
    Therese

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  8. Aww, I'm sorry you had such a bout with sequins. Hopefully w/a little practice it will get easier...maybe even become second nature. :)

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  9. O, those bracelets are wonderful -- you've got to have them in the shop!

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  10. Nice pieces, very different and unusual, love those earrings. xox

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  11. I love your designs. The earrings came out beautifully, even if it wasn't the look you were going for. The bracelet is lovely.

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  12. Just by looking at your pieces, I would have had no idea that they caused you that much trouble. They turned out so cool! You were braver than I was in trying to sew them on. Of course, after seeing some of the other designs in this challenge, I'm already wanting to try my hand at sewing some of them. I must be out of my mind. . .

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  13. These are all very sweet, and I totally respect your decision to start small with the sequins. It's what I would have done if I hadn't had the idea for the wall piece. As it is, I have lots of sequins left over and I might just have to make some adorned earrings for myself...thanks for the inspiration!

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  14. I love what you have created with sequins Cynthia! The bracelet is my favorite. So feminine! I would get too frustrated trying to work with such little, flat components! I just worked with a magnetic clasp for the first time per a customer request. I swore a lot since it kept sticking to everything, incluing the beading wire!

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  15. Very pretty jewellery! I really like the layered sequins. My favourite is the bracelet. It's just so pretty!

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  16. Love the projects they are both very unique!!

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  17. If you hadn't fessed up, I never would have known that the earrings weren't exactly what you had in mind originally! The bracelet is also great fun - understated sparkly fun!

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  18. Those earrings are AMAZING! Really like those.

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  19. Great designs, very pretty work!

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  20. Oh, you had me crackin' up! I can see you swearing at those buggers. You're right, they are very slippery, and don't do at all what you want them to. But you still came out of it with some great pieces. Not much of a medieval maiden, but I could totally wear those earrings!

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  21. I love them. Great job. It really did not seem you had so much trouble. The finishing it great.

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  22. I have to say too that sequin is not my first choice and is why I did this challenge. So I hear ya.
    However you really pulled this off. Are you sure you have not worked with sequin before?

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  23. You did fabulous work here! The earrings are so sweet - I could not have had the patience for this hop AT ALL! I have to live vicariously through you! :) That bracelet is feminine - love it!

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  24. Very pretty, even if the earrings did not go to plan. The bracelet closure looks lovely, even if it requires assistance to put on.

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  25. The earrings look great, and the bracelet is very sequin elegant. I think you held your own in this challenging media!

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  26. the earrings are great! they truly look like you meant for them to be that way.
    i love the midieval maiden bracelet! it has a great look and a great feel to it. very feminine! i wouldn't mind having a ladies maid on hand occasionally.

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  27. Happy Monday dear! I am so happy I inspired you! wore the bracelet from you today btw :)

    XoXo
    Plami

    http://www.fashionthrill.com/

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  28. Lovely work!!!
    Thank you very much for your beautiful words, dear!
    It would be a pleasure to have one of your designs .... but I don't want to give a lot of work ... but if you insist my mail is hileret@live.com
    Have a good week!

    Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

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  29. Love what you came up with! Sequins hold a lot of potential, especially as there are so many different shapes, colors, and sizes of them available. Good for you for pushing forward and growing your work. Rock - bead, sequin - on :)

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  30. realllllly reeaaally realllly lub lub lub those earrings!

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  31. Love love love those earrings! And that bracelet is pretty yummy too! I am really enjoying this hope. Who knew that you could use sequins in such creative ways! <3

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  32. Very pretty! I love the earrings but really love that bracelet! So romantic!

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  33. you do really know how to make accessories:) very talented:)..I am sure if you go to those exotic places...you will get tons of inspiration from there:)..and I know u have been to india...that's on top of my list too:)

    have a nice day

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  34. Love that bracelet the color and design are awesome!

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