Spring Fever Challenge.

We've been a bit distracted with all the new pretties that have been arriving in the shop lately and haven't posted for a while. But what a nice post to get us back up and running... The Spring Fever Challenge run by Blueberri Beads, Thea Elements and Smitten Beads.

I was quite excited to get my pack and see what surprise components I had to play with. But as the name suggests, it was definitely a challenge for me. True to form, the components Lesley and Caroline sent are beautiful and the ribbon from Smitten Beads was yummy. The main challenge for me was the colours, as these are not what i would usually choose for myself.

So after i got over the colour phobe moment I needed to work out the design. Well I played around with the idea of wiring it all together, but in the end I decided to do what I do best and use bead embroidery. I didn't want the birds to hang off the main flower focal, so I embroidered round them as if they are sitting on the flower itself. Coming off the focal I strung a few seeds, some of the new gorgeous Czech beads that we recently got in the shop (I've been dying to use them :)) and a little bit of Swarovski crystal. I attached this to the ribbon and added a handmade clasp.

And here he is...

Overall I'm in love with this design as its a bit different to what i'd usually do in my embroidery. So i would like to say a bit thank you to Caroline, Lesley and Claire for including me in this challenge. Hope everyone likes what i made and now i'm off to see what everyone else has done.

Vicky xx

Lesley Watt - http://thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.co.uk

Caroline Dewison - http://www.blueberribeads.co.uk 

Emma Quinn - http://patinafinishes.blogspot.co.uk/

Kathy Lindemer - http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.co.uk 

Lori Bowring Michaud - http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com/

Leigh Thow - http://jewellrleigh.blogspot.co.uk

Ailsa Jackson - http://katzjewellery.blogspot.co.uk/

Steph L - http://stringaholic.blogspot.co.uk/

Kristi Harrison - http://kristibasket-itsanewday.blogspot.co.uk/

Merja - http://helmiriippuvuus.blogspot.fi

Lucy Haslam - http://faerystone.blogspot.co.uk/

Penny Neville - http://copperpennydesigns.blogspot.co.uk/

Linda - http://earth-shinedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/

Kristen Stewart - http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.co.uk/

Erin Prais – Hintz – http://treasures-found.blogspot.co.uk/

Klassy Joolz - http://klassyjoolz.blogspot.co.uk/

Jenny Argyle - http://keithagnestutorialsdesigns.blogspot.co.uk

Shaiha - http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com

Claire Lockwood - http://www.somethingtodowithyourhands.com/

Patti Gasparino - http://www.mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com/

Suhana Hart - http://www.buttonedupbeads.blogspot.co.uk

Toltec Jewels - JewelSchoolFriends.com 

Saturday Showcase: Beautiful Ceramic Beads & Cabachons

The lovely Caroline Dewison of Blueberri Beads, who supplies The Bead Shop Liverpool with our exclusive range of beautiful ceramic beads and cabachons, may be featured in Lark Books' Showcase: 1000 Beads.

Scheduled for publication in January 2014, the book will feature the work of artisans from across the world who create unique, handmade beads from a variety of materials - including ceramics, metals, metal clays, paper, fibers, wood and stone.

Hedgehog Porcelain Cabachon, £12.

Ceramic Windmill Charm, £8.

Ceramic Birdhouse & Birds Set, £8.

Even though places in the book are highly sought, two of Caroline's submissions will soon be before the jury! We aren't really that surprised - each and every one of her ceramic beads is handmade and hand glazed - but we are proud! Congratulations Caroline! x