Art Bead Scene August Challenge

The Art Bead Scene team issues a monthly challenge to use an art bead, described by the group as a bead, charm, button or finding made by an independent artist. Art beads are the vision and handiwork of an individual artist. The monthly challenge is based on an inspirational theme and this month the theme is built around this scene created in 1938 by Paul Klee.

"Park Near Lu" By Paul Klee, 1938

Oil and coloured paste on paper on jute; original frame strips 100 x 70 cm

It has been described as having “a contrast between the hard black bar strokes that represent the branches and the bright colour tonality of the spaces between them. The work therefore includes spring and winter, death and blossoming in equal measure.”

I took my inspiration from the colours of summer fading into fall. The necklace I created features a marvelous polymer clay feather, hand carved and painted by Staci Louise Smith. This large 83 x 33 x 6 mm bead is double sided making it versatile. It can be worn with the simpler feather side out, like this

 

Feathered Waves

Or with the more elaborate scene of waves and stars on the reverse. The bead looks like it was made in the sgraffito method, characterized as a form of decoration made by scratching through a surface to reveal a lower layer of a contrasting color, typically done in plaster or stucco on walls, or in slip on ceramics before firing. (Thank you Google for the description)

Feathered Waves

As you can tell the hole in the bead is lower down the sides than would normally be expected. It gives the bead a fun pendulum effect. I used drop seed beads in a lovely blue iris colour to frame the bead. The neck cord is made up of 3 different colours of seed beads that complement the art bead and setting, and bring in more colours from the artwork.

The seed beads, strung on beading wire, are different sizes bringing a textural feel to the cord. I finished off the necklace with silver plated bail, toggle clasp and findings.

Same as my last 2 posts, as soon as I have some good photos I will post the necklace in my shop. (At least this time I’m starting with better photos)

Please check out the Art Bead Scene links here to visit all the other participants.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.