(Find the Challenge Of Color blog hop here!)
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Every month the Art Jewelry Elements team hosts a component of the month challenge. For the November challenge, Lesley Watt of THEAtoo provided an absolutely gorgeous snowflake focal, which she created with bronze metal clay.
I received the snowflake on the top left. I’d imagined these as being button sized, but they are actually quite large. Once I saw the actual size, I had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted to do. So I started playing with beads in my stash that might work with the design I pictured in my head. Here’s my snowflake, sitting on the coffee table with some loose beads. I tried out several different arrangements before I was satisfied.
One of my current jewelry goals is to improve my wire working skills, so I decided to wire all the components, instead of stringing them. There are 3 different methods of wire wrapping in the finished necklace.
And here’s how it turned out. I’m really pleased with it! The colors are quite unusual, especially for a snowflake necklace, which usually ends up being blue. Blue is OK, but I really like these colors with the bronze and I like that the colors introduce an element of surprise to the winter theme. Winter can get really bleak in western Washington and I need bursts of color to keep myself energized!
In addition to Lesley’s snowflake, I used turquoise clay beads by Summers Studio, a greenish-brown bead by Artisan Beads and a pale blue bead by Gaea. In addition to the handmade components, I added turquoise, pressed glass and a glass chevron bead.
The AJE team members who are part of this blog hop are listed below as well as the 2 lucky readers who won a snowflake component. Check out their fantastic designs. You will be amazed at all the creative talent in this group!
Additionally, I encourage you to check out the Challenge of Color blog hop which is going on today also (and was mentioned at the start of today’s post).
Linda's Bead Blog & Meanderings 
Lesley’s component is so beautiful, made even more gorgeous in this necklace! I love the pops of color that meander around the chain – so pretty!
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That’s totally adorable Linda, totally different than mine and I love it!!!
This is really pretty Linda – I just adore turquoise with bronze. It has a really happy festive feel to it but will also carry you through the seasons perfectly. Thank you for taking on the challenge.
Lesley is right, this has a very happy feel to it. I have no wirework skills, so your’s look great to me. 🙂
The different colors you chose really make this a beautiful necklace.
I really love those colors too. Such planning – I need to do more of that. I usually just start putting things together. I love the little pop of colors you have used – this piece is gorgeous. Great job!
You’re so right – so many snowflake designs feature blue – it seems so natural, and while it’s lovely, I really like what you’ve done with this piece – it expresses how we all feel during the holiday season – full of cheer!
I love that you choose these colors! This is such a fun piece! Your talent is outstanding!!!
I love the combination of bright colors you chose for your piece! It’s so happy and cheery!
I love your creation, the beads and colors are perfect! Cheri
I love it Linda! It’s so colorful and happy! I love how you layed it all out, too!
The palette even seems Southwestern a little bit! I like that you are not following convention! Nice mix of shapes and sizes. Very cool.
This is my favorite kind of necklace! Make them all the time because they just work! Yours is great! Love the mix of beads, and Love the way the pendant just flows so well in there 🙂 Great job!
I just love these snowflakes! That is my favorite winter motif. And you made a cozy patchwork quilt of a necklace with these great wire worked components. Wonderfully made! Enjoy the day. Erin
Hi Linda,
I love your necklace with all of the bright colors and textures it is very festive.
Therese
I really love that you added the bright colors. It gives the necklace so much personality!
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