Aurora jewellery Swap and hop reveal

Beadswap2019 Aurora Jewellery

Welcome to the Bead Peeps Swap and hop reveal 2019. This is the fifth year of the swap and hop and I would like to say that it has been fun participating for five consecutive years. You can see my past Bead peeps Swap and hop reveals here. This year is all about light and hence Aurora jewellery. Before I show you the Beads and jewellery of this year’s hop, here is a bit about my swap partner.

Warning : This is a long post with lots of photos. So get yourself a cool drink and enjoy scrolling 🙂

Swap and hop Partner

My partner this year is Ms. Robin Kae Reed of Artistry: Handcrafted bead designs. She works fulltime as a manager of a small retail business near the University of Notre Dame. In terms of jewellery making, she is a stringer. She includes quotes and keys in her work and prefers working with natural stones like jasper and agate. Hand made metal components and those with fibre can be seen in her work as well. She has been making jewellery for about 10 years and created floral designs and wood/stone decorative bird houses in the past.

Beads and jewellery Swap and hop reveal

Beads swap reveal

What I sent Robin

I chose blue and pink as my colour palette for Robin. I saw that she used blues in her work and felt that she would be comfortable with it. But I also wanted that “Indian Tadka (flavour)”. So I picked fuchsia as the accompaniment. My intention was to challenge Robin while providing her with options to chose from. But sending lot of heavy beads was not practical. Thus, I sent limited items but of various textures to help Robin make an interesting piece.

I sent terracotta beads, cocoons, looped chain in blue and dyed agates, buttons, pompoms, thread beads in pink. Robin wanted Ghungroos and fibre. So I sent twisted cotton cords, Living coral tassels, pure silk jacquard saree ribbon, fabric and thread beads as well. I sent two handmade ceramic beads (Claycult Cambodia) and two pendants and a copper wire clasp made by me which I forgot to take pictures of. Robin sent me the picture below where you can see the mixed media pendant. The second was form folded copper. There was also filigree that I altered with Patina inks.

What Robin sent me

Robin sent me some natural stone beads. Since she did not label them, I am not sure what exactly they are. I guess the pink puffed beads and the brown spikes are jasper. The sea green might be chalcedony. She also sent me very pretty glass crystals, two lampwork beads, metal butterflies and two clasps. If you notice, you can see that we sent each other a blue and pink combination.

crystal beads

Finished jewellery – The struggle

I absolutely struggled with the beads. The crystals were the easiest to work with as I had bought similar beads in Bangkok before. Still, my design ideas flopped, for I was trying to use the beads, the focal and clasp all in one piece. I wanted to limit myself to what Robin sent without using too many beads from my stash. Eventually, I used some of the beads in my Kolam III line thinking I could atleast show them for the reveal. You can see them in the first and last necklaces of the monochromatic pulli kolam post.

But blue was still easy. The pale rose quartz tone (?) was impossible. Regular blog readers would know that I stay far away from pastels and light neutrals. In the past 10 years, I have come to embrace bright pink and accents of light pink. But the light tones here was beyond my perception. Usually, after I make a piece, I show it to my mom if I am doubtful about the structure or colour, never before. But we must have discussed these pink beads (lightest version of the Tumblr pink or millennial pink) a dozen times and none of our ideas worked. Therefore, I let it go for I had made a beautiful pair of sari ribbon earrings and a decent crystal necklace. I told myself that it would be enough.

Aurora jewellery by Sayuri

Contest Time

Then came the whammy. Linda, our bead peeps host announced that this year there would be contests with prizes. There was best overall design, best use of colour, best out of the box design, and more. As a super competitive person I wanted to win and knew that my designs were insufficient. So at nights, after I finished all my college and personal work I would try for an hour. I would make one version, give up, and then redo the next day.  I really dug into my stash for other beads and made metal components. This is the hardest that I have worked for any swap so far.  Here is the latest iteration, I hope it works.

Beadswap2019 Aurora Jewellery

Aurora jewellery

My process of beginning with a theme/inspiration did not work for this challenge. Instead, I worked by instinct and let things organically fall into place. But once I made all the jewellery and looked at them together, I could see that they belonged with each other. They were a range with similar forms and techniques that provided synergy. To describe them, I could only think of one word – Aurora. I have been fascinated with Aurora Borealis ever since I came across the concept. The strong violets and greens tantalize and attract. But Aurora also refers to the Roman Goddess of Dawn. Her equivalents are the Greek Eos and Hindu Usha(s). Pale salmon, dark copper red, gold and green are the colours associated with them. Goddess Usha is also the deity of new beginnings which is relevant at the moment considering the New year celebrations in India, in different regions fall in April.

Crystal Flower necklace

The Crystal flower necklace has three parts to it. A copper flower pendant with a tab set glass cab and rhinestone. A Lampwork heart hangs from the pendant. The second part is the wire bail with crystals and Czech beads. The third is the looped bead necklace and the clasp. I coloured the kingfisher to add more interest. This Crystal flower necklace is available for sale; Earrings complimentary.

aurora jewellery crystal flower necklace

Aurora Borealis Necklace

When I saw the “out of the box design” category, I knew that I had to re-purpose a found object. I chose a glass drawer knob. I wrapped it with wooly wire and the bead chips and crystals sent by Robin. In this iteration, I have used big crystals in an artistic wire bail. It looks really pretty but to my dismay it is not strong. It twisted as I was taking pictures. I plan to remake it in a slightly different avatar for the Art elements monthly challenge, April. Please do come back to see what I make.

Aurora jewellery by Sayuri

Aurora Silk Earrings

The moment I saw the spikes, I decided to make a fibre and wire wrapped earring design. I choose a length of pure silk  that I picked up at a waste management center at Arani (silk valley of India). I added seed beads, Czech leaves and bicones and a handmade hook. It is the easiest thing I made for this reveal – it took all of 20 minutes from design to making. I think I need colour, texture and complex elements for something to be “easy” for me. It is so pretty that I could keep it, but if you ask nicely, I’ll sell it to you.

Goddess Earrings

Any and every bead can be made into an earring design. I knew that even the impossible Jasper could fit in beautifully in a pair of earrings. I made this copper wire frame inspired by the Cretan Snake Goddess and added the pink beads. The golden filigree beads bring out the yellow – flame painted parts of the wire and complete the design. The earrings are for sale.

Aurora Goddess earrings

Ushas necklace

One day before the reveal, it struck me that I could still make the rose quartz work. It can be used with black, navy or dark green as an accent. So I pulled dark green glass and a line Czech square crystals. I put it together with salmon pink seed beads and a coloured clasp. It looked like one of my 2010 necklaces. Bleh! I quickly dug through my UFO’s and found this beautiful flame painted, layered copper pendant. A dash of patina inks to create a horizon, a little ruffling and this pendant was born. All it needed was a wire bail to complete the necklace. I really like it now, enough to offer it for sale.

Ushas coloured copper necklace

With that we come to the end of my Swap and hop 2019 reveal. Thank you for patiently reading about my challenges and how I overcame them to create my Aurora jewellery. I would love to know that you think. so please share your comments and feedback in the comments box. I would also love your inputs on how to remake the Aurora (drawer knob) necklace. Fingers crossed and hoping to win!

I hope you found it interesting
Cheers

42 responses to “Aurora jewellery Swap and hop reveal”

  1. Robin Reed avatar
    Robin Reed

    It was soo much fun having you as a partner Duvya!!! I love all of your designs!!! Your way of connecting with the wire wrapped look is really Beautiful!!! I’m not sure I have a favorite. I really love them all!!!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks you so much Robin for pushing me to come out of my comfort zone. I have been stuck in a rut and required it

  2. Ann Schroeder avatar

    I love your pieces, especially the silk wrapped earrings and the drawer pull necklace, even though the wire needs to be redone. I love the concept of it, and it looks beautiful.

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks Ann. It was very last minute so I will redo it

  3. Arm Candy by Sam avatar
    Arm Candy by Sam

    Wow…colors you put together are absolutely perfect! Beautiful designs on all your pieces.

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks for visiting Sam

  4. CraftyHope avatar

    I had no idea you were competitive! It sounds like the contest had you in a tizzy. And, I think your designs worked out well. I really like your silk earrings – the pop of color is super. And, incorporating the knob in the necklace was a great idea. I’ve got a few small knobs I keep meaning to use too. As for how to fix it, could you just connect it with a simple jump ring? I may be misunderstanding what you’re asking for. I do hope you find a solution though, it like the way you wrapped and created the pendant. Good luck!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Oh I am super competitive! The knob is very heavy and the wire bail is structurally weak. Jump rings dont work either. I will need to find a heavier gauge of wire to work with

  5. Christina avatar
    Christina

    I adore the silk wrapped stone earrings and the repurposed drawer pull necklace. And you created a beautiful necklace with those pink stone beads!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thank you Christina. I really worked hard on that necklace

  6. Kathy Lindemer avatar

    You did a great job making beautiful necklaces. The earrings are my favorite. I love the color combinations and the design.

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      I am partial to the earrings too 🙂

  7. Terri Del Signore avatar
    Terri Del Signore

    Your jewelry desings are just stunning!!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thank you so much Terri

  8. Marianne avatar
    Marianne

    Love the crystal flower necklace. Really love those colors. The silk earrings are fun also.

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks Marianne. I am AB finish crystal fa. Its usually hard to photograph but it came out very well this time

  9. Lois avatar
    Lois

    Great use of color and you did a wonderful job designing.

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thank you Lois. I love colour

  10. Nadine avatar
    Nadine

    Both of your earring designs are interesting and lovely. I like the simple wire with the jasper beads. Nice work struggling through the design challenges!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      My favourites are the earrings too. Thanks for hopping

  11. Tammy Adams avatar

    The way you use color, shapes, and textures is always stunning. Even when you were working with colors you would not have chosen, the final pieces are distinctively your designs. When I use components that are not “me” the end results are also not my style. I think the solution for the knob necklace is thicker wire for the decorative bail. Or to reinforce the thinner wire by wrapping it or weaving it with more wire. Gorgeous designs, every one. Good luck in the contest, you really worked for it. 🙂

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thank you for the great suggestions Tammy. I did try a thicker brass wire but it lost on the aesthetics department. Maybe a hammered style will work. Oh, you are able to see my unique style? Wow! All my life (as a design student and a designer) I have been told that I don’t really have a style. While it made me flexible to adapt to different materials, it was a (minor) disadvantage with a fear of being lost in a crowd. So your comment has made me really really glad. I guess the fact that the pieces “were not in my style” was what was nagging me till I fixed them. Thanks to you, I now understand my style better.

      1. Tammy Adams avatar

        Maybe it’s challenging for some to see your style because you are able to work with such a diverse range of materials. As someone who uses a rather eclectic mix of materials too, I think that’s an asset. I used to worry that I didn’t have a distinctive style, but I realized I do have a style. Maybe not in the way of some designers where every piece has an element instantly identifiable as theirs because it is carried into every single design. I find my style shows more subtly in the colors I choose, how I use texture, the way I combine techniques, etc. I didn’t study fashion so I don’t have the proper words to describe your style, but I definitely see “you” in every beautiful piece you make. 🙂

        1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

          It is heartening to read this comment of yours. Another friend of mine said the same thing this afternoon. Maybe if I took a step back and saw my pieces from a 3rd person’s POV, I would be able to see that. Thank you once again for boosting my confidence 🙂

  12. Linda avatar
    Linda

    Divya – What BEAUTIFUL work! I knew when the contests came, you’d be hot on them! You REALLY did a fantastic job! I looove the copper pendants! They are so simple but perfect! I also love the pink piece and am so glad you were stretched! Its easy to stay comfortable I in colors we love, but how fantastic that you had a challenge and rose (quartz…get it? ) to it beautifully.

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thank you so much for hosting the hop Linda. I did get me out of a creative rut. I had fun using the copper pendants – both which were UFOs.It gave me an opportunity to repurpose them. Once again I am sorry for mistyping your name – I do not know what got into me.

  13. Rozantia Petkova avatar

    Wow, each and every piece is artistic and uniquely designed! The drawer knob is unbelievable, what a fabulous idea! The pale pink beads fit right in with the strong colors you’ve chosen! Wish you luck in the contest!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thank you Rozantia. I thought that the pink will never match with any of my beads at one point …:D I’ll redo the knob and show it at the end of the moth in the Art elements reveal

  14. Kelly Rodgers avatar

    A couple years ago I got to experience the Aurora in person in Iceland. I can definately see how your pieces evoke the elegance of the Aurora! Beautiful!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Iceland and the northern lights are on my travel wishlist. I hope I get to experience them in person too. Thanks for comment

  15. Penny Jane avatar
    Penny Jane

    Gasp!!!!! You may have struggled but it really doesn’t show in your designs. They flow so beautifully it is as if each piece was just meant to be. Your crystal flower necklace is undoubtedly the star of the show though.

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thank you Penny. So kind of you to say that. I am glad that it worked out in time for the reveal.

  16. Fay avatar

    Love the silk earrings.. I can never do justice to silk

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thank you Fay. I love using silk in the pieces that I wear. But I am afraid to sell them as well.

  17. Catherine avatar

    Divya, these designs are absolutely GORGEOUS. I love your Aurora theme – you really matched it to a tee with the bold colors. The Amazonite earrings are so pretty with the ribbon, and I love the blue necklace with your hand painted hummingbird clasp! ♥

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thank you so much Catherine for noticing all the details. I am glad that you are able to connect with the theme

  18. Lynda avatar

    Love the idea of a blog hop! You wrote that pieces came together organically. A perfectly lovely word. Nothing seems contrived or over worked in your designs, but very thoughtful all the same. My favorite has to be those gorgeous sari silk earrings!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks Lynda. It did take many attempts to get them to look that way

  19. Kari Asbury avatar
    Kari Asbury

    GORGEOUS! I love every one of your designs. It’s wonderful you rallied again after hearing about the contest. Every detail is stunning and your color combinations are perfection!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thank you Kari. the contest is a real motivator. It made me really try and come out of my comfort zone. Thank you and Linda for organizing it

  20. Maya Kuzman avatar

    It is always refreshing to see your swaps and what you send and receive, but the most exciting part is seeing what you made with the swap! I am always pleasantly surprised by the result!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thank you Maya. I am glad that they pieces excite and surprise you

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