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Wednesday, November 1, 2017

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

19 comments:

  1. These are wonderful!!! Love them all but middle pair the most ❤️

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  2. Really great earrings! I love the colors, textures, and organic looks.

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  3. Wow Loralee, they are amazing...the middle pair are so stunning. Your combination of components are perfect.

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    1. I'm so thrilled you're happy with the earrings, Melissa! The pods are a favorite....it's such an honor to work with your beads.

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  4. These are all so cool and unique! I think the last pair is my fave... love the soft colors.

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    1. Thanks, SJ! Did you get a sample of that braided wire from Lin? It's super!

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  5. thanks for introducing Melissa, Loralee. Love the organic look of the beads and your earrings. The last pair would be my favorite, the colors in these...beautiful.

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    1. Thank you, and yes, omg, Melissa is amazing!!!

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  6. I love how textural they all are

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  7. Wow such an earthy feel ! I love them all !

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  8. Every one a winner! Gorgeous work as always

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  9. Looove !!! And especially the second pair. <3

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  10. I love Melissa's work, and you do great things with her beads. All three pairs are so beautifully natural. . . . as if they were always that way. Beautiful; great work as always, Loralee.

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