Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Black & White :: Challenge

Sally Russick over at The Studio Sublime has yet another challenge for us. She asked us to create jewelry using only black and white. I love a good challenge, who doesn't? But I also really love black and white together. A very classic look. These will likely be staples in my jewelry box.

We've been 'off the grid' quite literally for a few weeks now. We like to get up to our lake cabin in the Adirondacks when the weather heats up in July. No connection whatsoever, so please understand my slight delay in getting around to all the other hoppers. I did bring my beadwork with me so I could work on some of the challenges I signed up for weeks ago. 

So for Sally's, I started with some ribbon I picked up at Mokuba quite a while back. I loved it and knew I'd eventually find just the right piece for it. It is a thin black embroidered ribbon with small glass pearls running down the middle. I used it as the center of a bracelet and added twin beads to the sides to create a pretty picot edging to it. It doesn't usually happen this way for me, but this piece turned out exactly as I had envisioned it in my head! Normally I just let my patterns flow with a mind of their own, but this one seemed to let me be in charge for once.

Speaking of, this second one did not turn out at all as I thought it might. But that's ok because I like the end result so much better than what I started with! This one has a simple peyote down the center and then I did a stringing weave that has a braided effect. I finished with double fabric buttons. It has such a nice feel around the wrist. 

Check out all the other designs either back over at Sally's blog, or the links below:



Sally Russick                   Alice Peterson          Susan F
Monique Urquhart           Carolyn Lawson        Susan Kennedy
Veralynne Malone           Ailsa Cordner            Paula Kramer
Duane Clark                   Michelle Escano        Lisa Johnson
Michelle Buettner           Jess Green                Donna Bradley
Pam Sears                      Adrienne Berry          Karin Slaton
Therese Frank                Lynsey Brooks            Jasvanti Patel
Dawn Doucette               Kashmira Patel           Stefanie Teufel
Nicole Rennell                 Ann Schroeder           Liz Engriser
Cynthia Machata             Marlene Cupo            Christine Altmiller

35 comments:

  1. Sweet Cynthia. Another dedicated beader who takes her work on vacation! Bravo, and enjoy that cabin. My son lives in that area and it is BEAUTIFUL!

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  2. They're both so delicate!
    And you're a nutcase...blogging and beading on vacation :P

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  3. These are so elegant, Cynthia! I like the row of pearls down the middle of the first one!

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  4. My brain died (explanation forthcoming soon) and I need to re-take photos since the originals didn't turn out terribly well.

    I shall endeavour to ensure that it is worth the wait!

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  5. The bracelets are gorgeous. They would be stunning with a sleeveless black dress for a special night out.

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  6. Great color combo...so classic. Love the first one!
    Hope you're enjoying your vacay :)

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  7. these are both awesome, Cynthia, you beaders always blow my mind with how you can put those tiny beads "in their place" LOL. Of course, you know I adore a little fiber inclusion, so the pearl ribbon design has me drooling1

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  8. I agree with Kashmira....you are on vacation and you should be doing vacation-type activities! But man-oh-man, these ate both stunning! Love them!

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  9. Stunning pieces!!! Of course I am always amazed when anyone can make such beautiful pieces with these tiny beads.

    Enjoy your vacation!

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  10. They both look lovely! Have a great holiday!

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  11. Hope it is cooler and less humid than here in the Hudson Valley. Black and white are such a classic combo and you have proved that they don't have to be "stuffy". These are beautiful!

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  12. Cynthia, the bracelets you created are the perfect mix of black and white! Thank you so much for participating in the challenge! Have a wonderful summer and enjoy that lake cabin!!!

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  13. Hope you enjoyed your vacation! I love these bracelets especially the one with the ribbon in the middle! So beautiful!

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  14. As always..beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! And what better place to create than on vacation. No intrusions, just peace and quiet! I hate to get in the groove and "MOM" comes ringing in my ear....

    Enjoy!
    Vera
    http://veradesigns.blogspot.com/2013/07/black-white-jewelry-challenge.html

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  15. Oh wow, these are both so pretty!! The first one's my favorite - glad it turned out just as you pictured it! I admire your work so much and am always amazed at your excellent use of those tiny little beads - they'd drive me nuts if I even attempted to try some sort of bead stitch! LOL! :-) I hope you're having fun on your vacation!

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  16. I love these! The 2 black buttons on the second one look really pretty. I hope you are having an amazing summer on the lake!

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  17. Lots of drama going on here! In black and white, everything looks so much more crisp. I love the details, like the ruffled edge on the last one. Enjoy the day. Erin

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  18. You DID use the cord with the glass pearls! You mentioned it and here it is...and it is GORGEOUS!!! I love what you did with those twin holes. What a great piece! The peyote piece is fantastic~that has a great vibe, nice ease. Letting the stitches speak for themselves is often the way to go. You nailed it!

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  19. I love your soft, romantic take on black and white in your first bracelet. How absolutely clever to start with embellished ribbon! And I always take a peyote project with me when I'm going "off the grid." So relaxing. LOVE the fabric buttons. Both bracelets would elevate any summer ensemble from plain to chic!!

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  20. Beautiful pieces Cynthia they both are so elegant looking enough to be worn with an evening gown, or dressed down with just a T-shirt and jeans.
    Your work is always a pleasure to see.
    Therese

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  21. Gorgeous beadwork and I especially love the scalloped edge of the second bracelet

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  22. It looks like your summer get-away definitely got your creative juices flowing. Both pieces are terrific. It looks like that ribbon was made for this challenge. Great job!

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  23. I love beadwork and yours is always spectacular. Pretty, pretty, pretty.

    Dee

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  24. I hope you had a great time away ;o) Both these creations are beautiful! Black and white are classic ;o)

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  25. These are beautiful, I'm always amazed at work like this since I can't do it!

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  26. I like the bracelet on the second picture! Enjoy your break and your beading!

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  27. Oh I LOVE these so delicate but powerfully striking. You are very talented.
    I also love the necklace and the true gift full of meaning you sent Jacqueline you are truly an amazing person. B

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  28. Both of your bracelets took my breath away. Lovely! The one with the glass pearls has such a classic vintage look. Really fabulous work!

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  29. I love black and white too, and these are 2 very cool bracelets! It's nice when your design does not come out as planned, but even better then you thought.
    Valerie
    Everyday Inspired

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  30. Ah, beautiful pieces - I am really sorry I missed this challenge, but my summer is crazy this year. I love your bracelets - and they will be so easy to match with pretty much everything to wear :)

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  31. These are both wonderful! I love black and white in jewelry!

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