Sunday, June 22, 2014

Break From Tradition :: Blog Hop with Spikes

Last Fall I kept seeing spike beads everywhere, and was wondering how exactly I might design around some of those thingies. But I did notice that so many of the ones I saw were large, metal and rather sharp looking. Which just didn't really look all that 'safe' for the kind of beader I am.

Now ... most of you know that I consider beading to be a contact sport, and typically walk away stabbed and bleeding from an afternoon of bead weaving. Perhaps a broken needle or two, and maybe a large amount of swear words have been uttered. 

So when I saw these 'less sharp' looking howlite spikes, I figured it was probably a better option for me. I grabbed a white and a black set and headed off to the cashier. But once home I realized that it was a crazy amount of beads to work with, so I asked a couple of my beady friends if they wanted to give these things a try. Surprisingly, all four said yes. Well alrighty then, game on.

Months later ... we're getting around to posting our creations. Now some of us have already created a thing or two, some of us tried and ripped out (multiple times - with probably a few swear words), and a few more left those beads on the table to stare down for a few months just to see if that would help tame them. So let's get to it, shall we ...

I did try my hand at these spikes a while back, and posted it here. As a quick recap, I tried several times to work these beads into a bracelet, but my early attempts were complete and total #FAIL. I'm telling you, these spikes take some taming!. I did finally settle on a nice, freeform ladder stitch around the beads. The cuff has nice warm, earthy colors that are great for winter wear (I have it pictured in the lower left below). I was completely surprised by how comfortable it is to wear! I was careful to use only 5 of the spike beads so that there weren't any on the under side of the bracelet. That way it isn't uncomfortable to wear for everyday tasks .... for say typing out this blog post. 

For this more recent, and second attempt, I wanted to change it up a bit to make it lighter (in color at least). This looks more like summer on the wrist and would be a fun piece to wear with a flow-y blouse ... in a bohemian style (of course). Again, I used only 5 spikes so the under side of the bracelet is flat. It too is comfy to wear!

A little call out to the blog hop button. I found this adorable Etsy shop, Sofia's Couture Designs, that creates costumes, and this twist on the Batman (ehem, girl) Superhero outfit was perfect for our Break From Tradition Hop. So now it's time to check out the other brave beaders who tried out these ginormous howlite spikes: Therese, Janet, Christine and Bobbie.

19 comments:

  1. Wow, gorgeous! So elegant, and yet rustic too -- something a sexy cowgirl might wear :D

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  2. That turned out amazing, Cynthia! I've seen a lot of spiky rivets on clothes lately, and I consider sewing a "contact sport" too. haha
    Btw, those batgirl costumes are FUN :)

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  3. Hi Cynthia,
    First let me say thank you for asking me to be a part of this hop it was a tough one, but I made it through. I love your bracelets you tamed those spikes gorgeously! Either one of the bracelets would look wonderful with a cool summer outfit.
    Therese

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  4. You did an amazing job Cynthia! I love the bronze-y accents with the howlite. They are definitely both conversation pieces. The Batman and Robin costumes are fantastic! I would have love those as a little girl.

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  5. You did an amazing job Cynthia! I love the bronze-y accents with the howlite. They are definitely both conversation pieces. The Batman and Robin costumes are fantastic! I would have love those as a little girl.

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  6. These are downright ELEGANT! And so freakin creative - that's why I love coming here to soak it up! "Beading is a contact sport"...hahaha!!!

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  7. I love your bracelets, Cynthia, and it was very clever to use only 5 on each bracelet. I love the summer one but the winter one is very beautiful. Plus, both of them are fun!!

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  8. I love how you were able to make a spike look so dainty and elegant! Great work!

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  9. I love your jewellery. You are soooo talented!

    Thanks for leaving such a nice comment on my blog. It meant a lot to me.

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  10. Thank You! for your generosity, for pushing us a bit more than we would have pushed ourselves, and for laughter with the badge! Your bracelets are so beautiful ~ you and Janet have a knack with white jewelry that escapes me. The subtle colors and supports you added to the spikes to make these bracelets are just what was needed to make made these Howl ;-)

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  11. These are just fun and funky - I really like them!! I'm in love w/your muted colors on these bracelets too - so perfect for every day and then the spikes add that perfect punch of surprise! Super!!

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  12. Your recent summer spike bracelet is amazing. You managed to make those big spiky brutes sexy. The color and shape combination is fabulous. Your badge is darn cute too!!!

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  13. Fun, funky, and amazing... the pieces reflect their maker!
    I went and checked the other hoppers creations and was equally blown away; you are an inspiration in more ways than one Cynthia!

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  14. The first bracelet looks so slinky and cool with the wider band. I really like the lacey look of the second one for summer -- I can see it worn with a flouncy skirt and breezy top, strolling along the beach. And you know how I like the combo of these beads with copper, so both pieces really speak to me!

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  15. Your spikes are funky and I love your creations! Well done ;o)
    The costumes are amazing! So much fun ;o)
    Thanks for your kind words on my blog for my mom ;o)
    She is going to love this surprise ;o)

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  16. Someone said "sexy cowgirl" - YES! I love them both, but that cuff is to die for. I could see it on the cover of Vogue with a waif of a model swaddled in furs and a thin little wrist weighed down by that puppy. :-)

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  17. Someone said "sexy cowgirl" - YES! I love them both, but that cuff is to die for. I could see it on the cover of Vogue with a waif of a model swaddled in furs and a thin little wrist weighed down by that puppy. :-)

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  18. Very cool - I like the white on neutral background, it is so effective!

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  19. Oh, that's yummy! It makes me think of real vanilla bean ice cream. I think it might be time for dessert! ;) Beautiful job.

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