Sunday, November 16, 2014

Art Bead Scene Editors Take the Challenge for November


Cattelya Orchid and Three Hummingbirds by Martin Johnston Heade

The Art Bead Scene Editors are taking the Challenge this month with a beautiful painting by Martin Heade, the Cattelya Orchid and Three Hummingbirds.   I am especially drawn to lush tropical rain forests so I have really enjoyed looking long and closely at this painting. Here we have a delicious range of colors to choose from and a multitude of flora and fauna.  I found myself focusing on the pod like elements of the Cattelya Orchid and the rich greens and red browns.  I experimented with the pod like shapes and attempted to create them in copper.  I imagined them entwined with vines and other worldly in appearance. 

copper pod bead   hole runs from top to bottom by Mary Harding


                    copper pod bead with curled vine in front--hole runs from top to bottom by Mary Harding


Then I made a series of long thin pods wrapped with vines.  These are more decorative than the rounder ones.
                          long thin pod beads made of copper  hollow inside  by Mary Harding


In addition to these beads, I began a free form peyote stitch bracelet inspired by the colors of the painting--those rich red browns and beige yellows.   I  built the bracelet around these 2 two hole beads.  I think the colors are very tropical and like the  painting.
                                             Tropical flora raku fired beads by Mary Harding

                                                Two hole ceramic raku fired beads by Mary Harding

I like the idea of using two hole beads since they insure that they won't be able to flip over.
Once I had chosen the beads, I found colors in red browns, golden browns and greens.



                                      one of the two hole beads attached to the bracelet




                                 the bracelet closure-- almost an echo of the orchid shape
                                    Full view of my free form peyote stitch bracelet

I expect to keep working on the  pod beads and have some in my Etsy shop by next weekend, since I will be out of town for the next few days.  The bracelet I will be keeping for now.
Thanks so much for stopping by to see how I have been inspired. I hope you will check out the others as well HERE.

Rebecca Anderson – Songbeads
Mary Harding – Mary Harding Jewelry
Heather Powers – Humblebeads Blog


13 comments:

  1. Oh Mary - you have put me to shame!! All fabulous! You're making me want to try two hole beads. And you know I love those metal beads - especially the two at the top.

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  2. Oh I am in love with your pod beads! Your bracelet is wonderful too. Free form peyote is so great.

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  3. I love your explorations in copper - they so capture that mystery that is found in the painting. And your two hole ceramic beads - those colors are lush!

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  4. Wow! I love copper. I envy your ability to create a gorgeous peyote bracelet out of seed beads.

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  5. Oooooo love, love, love the copper!!! And I treasure my freeform bracelet you made so many years ago. So funny when I wear your bracelet and my weaving people comment on the bracelet!!! :D xo

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  6. Hi Mary your pods are great.

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  7. Wow! You have really created such a lot - and those mixed-metals beads are particularly fabulous.

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  8. Stop it! Those thin pod beads (and the others) are so awesome! I love that they would go with so many different looks. Sorry I didn't get around to playing this month, hopefully next month! Enjoy the day! Erin

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  9. These pod beads are so unique! I love them..so organic and reminds me instantly of the artwork. The bracelet..oh wow...beautiful!!!

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  10. I love your copper beads, the organic look is so great... :)

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  11. I love your free form peyote as I love your copper pod beads, your use of colors is so fabulous!

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  12. Freeform peyote is an art unto itself, and you have interpreted this month's painting beautifully with your design. And those pods!!!! Modern botanical is my current design passion, and these pods are totally fabulous!

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Raku Bead Video Part III