Gone To Seed

Happy November, my seedy-beady friends!  Loralee here, today I'm sharing  sculptural botanical beads by Melissa Gabelle of The Clay Hen!  

I love the rough texture of the petals and the bold lines.  I wanted to carry those lines back to the top so, I added some fabric beads by Sagahus with blackened steel wire and that same yellow-green.  I originally was going to wire-wrap the petal to the fabric connector, but thought the tip was too delicate.  Instead, I tried an oversized hammered jumpring and added some larger seedbeads.  It turned out much better this way!  It protected the charm, added more variety of color, and the suggestion of seeds that I was envisioning all along.

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Such a beautiful rich brown color with that beautiful pop of yellow - it's a favorite of mine.  To me, they are Georgia O'Keeffe-esk, but at the same time, with the use of the heavier gauge wire, look somewhat urban/industrial.  

For the seeds I used, Czech glass, teardrop Picasso beads. They are matte with soft painterly spots of yellow...I can't tell you how thrilled I was when I discovered them in my stash!  Don't you love when things fall together like that...just meant to be!  

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I paired these open pods with some wispier fabric wrapped beads, again, by Sagahus.  The feathery fabric pieces match the gentle brush strokes of paint used on the pods. I have a tendency to oxidize most things but these are amazing in bright copper.  Eventually they may have a more subtle natural patina.   At a recent beading retreat I was gifted some fine (26g, I believe) braided copper wire.  It made the most beautiful wrapping.  *Psst...thank you, Lin Standke xo

November is always bittersweet for me, as I say goodbye to my favorite season.   However, I've started pulling some wintry things out now....it's time.

Many thanks for joining me today, it's wonderful to hear feedback especially when you work alone in a studio for so many hours...lol . Until next time!

Loralee xo

Loralee Kolton Jewerly

We're All Ears :: November Inspiration

Papilionaceae seed pods

The last weekend in October found me winding my way along the coast of Lake Michigan to the sleepy little tourist town of South Haven for the 5th annual Inspired by Nature retreat hosted by Heather Powers. This year the theme was inspired by the forest floor. One of the things we did was investigate the unique shapes of seed pods.

We were given instruction on replicating different species of pods and then painting them. Mine turned out quite alien looking, but they really do resemble something that is not of this world!

Mahogany tree seed pod

So I went in search of some more inspiration, and found that in the form of vintage botanical illustrations. This art depicts the form, color, and details of plant species, frequently in pen and ink or watercolor paintings. They were frequently published in books, magazines devoted to their study, and seed catalogs. I would dearly love to unearth a vintage book or magazine devoted to this commonplace art! I find it fascinating.

Seed annual, 1908

So this month, I thought we could honor the seed pods that might be all about us. It really has made me stop and search for these tiny treasures! Since the illustrations don't really have much in the way of color, my hope is that you will focus on the form of the pods, and let their shape be your guide for your creations. It will be fascinating to see where this one takes you!

Join me for the We're All Ears reveal on
Friday, November 20th!