Tuesday, May 26, 2015

CC7A :: Tutti Fruiti

Today's CC7A hop is hosted by Therese Frank. Her challenge to all of us was to use the colors from this mutli-colored, tutti-frutti bloom. I think I might have mentioned this in my last post that I'm Mardi Gras challenged. Using lots of colors is a struggle for me. My mind likes uniformed patterns, so when someone throws in a bunch of colors it goes a bit haywire. 

Throwing caution to the wind I decided to use a pile of beads in a multitude of color. I dumped out what remained of my bicone crystals and used them all. Yes, every last one of them in a random order. 

I knew that I didn't have enough for a full bracelet, but I had something in mind. Originally I was going to finish off each end with a simple peyote band, but it created too much elegance. Strange I know, but it really wasn't what I was going for. I  really wanted something that was everyday wearable with a bit of fun bling. My friend Therese loves a bit of boho, biker bling ... and so I let it inspire this design.

I ripped out what I had, and instead took a strip from an old pair of jeans. I cut out a window box to nestle a sort of stained glass look inside. I stitched the outer edges of the beadwork right into the cut out window box. That first picture is capturing the light coming through the center. 

This cuff slips on like an old pair of jeans. It snaps in the back and feels so comfortable. I asked the Bead Girl to help out by wearing this around for a week or two to fray out the sides. She did a fantastic job with her part, although not exactly what I was expecting. I did see her wearing it for a few days, but when I asked for her to go grab it so I could snap a few pictures she could not find it anywhere. To the point of shouting through the tears, "I put it right here! I don't know what happened?" Fast forward an hour later and her room sifted .... I discovered it in the bottom of her bed. Sigh. 

Please make sure to check out all the other artists this month: Therese (this month's host), Alicia, Christine, Monique, Sally and Emma.

19 comments:

  1. I cannot stop staring at that pic of the light coming through the beads. I absolutely LOVE what you did. I am addicted to Swarovski bicones and I hoard them to the point of obsession. I rarely use them unless it's something I'm making for myself.

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  2. Ah, that's such a brilliant idea - in more sense than one. Love it - I love how you add a touch of the host's personality in your piece,very thoughtful. As for colours - lately I seem to get into very bright and bold combinations, but I know what you mean, there are many pieces that were monochromatic, my brain likes monochromatic :) Thank you for sharing this beauty, and for participating in the CC7A!

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  3. This is such a cool bracelet!! I love the combination of crystals and denim! Bling that's really wearable! Super cool!!!

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  4. Awesome design Cynthia, very Biker Boho! I love the stain glass window, so to speak, of the tossed up tutti fruity colors of crystal bicones. Ahh the drama of teens, oh how I do not miss it! Glad the cuff was found and peace restored.
    Therese

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  5. Love the biker bling! Not sure how you got it to stay in there but it's fabulous! Glad it was found too! Phew.

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  6. This is SO pretty, Cynthia! I've made jean bracelets and cutout designs but NEVER TOGETHER. Game changer, lady ;) Seriously beautiful and clever way to use up your little treasures :)

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  7. Cool design! I can see why your daughter loves wearing it. Luckily it was not lost forever.

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  8. Hurray for using all those colors. That first pic is amazing!So many things you can do with old jeans :)

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  9. Hi Cynthia, Your bracelet is inspired. The Swarovski window in the denim is really unique. Way cool.

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  10. Nothing sparkles like bicones. What a wonderful way to use them

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  11. What a great idea, your bracelet is simply gorgeous!

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  12. What a spectacular idea! This is pure genius and a true reflection of how your brain works. Stained glass popping and sparkling colors on an old worn comfy jean cuff. You are IT when it comes to edgy, unexpected, soulful beauty.
    And your Bead Girl moment...I felt that frustration you must have had at that moment. But your laughing now ;-)

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  13. I love anything bright and colorful, so this is great! I love the wide cuff look and that it's perfect for every day wear.
    Glad your Bead Girl could help you fray it...lol :)

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  14. You had me at that first picture -- the glow through the crystals is like the warmth of a summer sun through a stained glass window. Your choice of the denim cuff is so creative! A great option for wearing the bling without feeling like Mrs. Thurston Howell the Third sunning on the island in her diamonds.

    And the fact that you had to search for the bracelet? It just confirms the fact that you've got a treasure (lost AND found) there!

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  15. OH WOW!! Cynthia, I was ogling this bracelet when it popped up in front of me on Facebook! Such an innovative, beautifully styled boho biker chic design!

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  16. It's gorgeous. You did yourself proud by adding a hodgepodge of colors.

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  17. What a unique and colorful piece! You definitely rose to the challenge.

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