So, I thought it would be a fun little diversion to participate in this Lori's annual Bead Soup Blog Party and was lucky to be included in the draw, this year. The idea is for two artists to swap materials and make something. Fun...yes?
My soup partner is the very talented glass bead artist and jewelry designer, Cassie Donlen.
When I saw her site, I was delighted to be paired up with her. I don't work with a lot of glass beads, lampwork or otherwise, but I do love a good challenge!
Friday, Cassie's package arrived and everything was wrapped so beautifully...
I had quite a wonderful time ripping through the packages!
Cassie sent me a lovely pile of her gorgeous lampwork beads...
The disks on the right are handmade pmc links, done by Cassie as well. Upon opening the packages, I could see just how multitalented Cassie really is.
Some of my favorite things in the box are Cassie's handmade etched bead caps.
Another favorite...these lampwork head pins. I nearly swooned when I saw these!
Another favorite...wow, there's a lot of great stuff going on here!...Cassie made this gorgeous clasp. A focal, clasp and accompanying accent beads are requirements for the swap.
The focals Cassie sent me are incredible.
And really, I could use these as focals, as well; aren't they clever? Love...love, I tell you! I'm SO looking forward to working with all of these elements.
For my part, I wasn't sure what to send Cassie so I sent her things that I would love. As I was choosing things, I was designing a piece, in my head...I couldn't help it! My materials frequently inspire me and dictate what my design will be like.
The elements that I sent Cassie have a definite spiritual feel. I'm all about it, as you probably know. I sent Cassie this resin focal (bezel from Susan Lenart Kazmer) that features my own cemetery photo.
I had to include a cross or crucifix. This one is from Italy. The green stones are tourmaline...I love it rough. The black stone is...??? But, it's pretty and goes with the green/cream/charcoal/black color scheme.
I sent Cassie a vintage rhinestone clasp and some crystal roundelles. The big pearls are gorgeously wonky in shape and the small defects are fascinating, to me. Soft green new jade and rough prehnite are part of the package, along with black snowflake obsidian.
I threw in these tiny French rosebuds...just because. They're so dang sweet!
I'm hoping Cassie loves all of these things, as much as I do. I think she'll be challenged. We'll both be busy now, designing and building our pieces. It's intriguing to me to know that Cassie is thinking through her design process at the same time I'm contemplating my own design with the things she sent. Hopefully, I can come up with something that does justice to her beautiful bead making skills.
deryn xxoo



