Worlds Apart - The Tale of a Bead Embroidered Necklace

When you're looking at art, you know that to the artist that created the piece, every piece tells it's own story.  No matter the place or time, the inspiration that started that design was something special to the artist.

Worlds Apart for me is exactly that.  Throughout the process of the move I knew two things.  1.  Nobody was going to touch my studio.  I knew I was going to have to organize, pack, unpack and organize again at my own pace.  2.  If I was going to focus in order to get the rest of our house packed, I knew I needed to pack the studio sooner than later.  Which lead to #3.... I would be without my beads for at least 2-3 weeks.

What, 3 weeks without beads???  Am I crazy???  (Hey, at least I didn't do away with coffee in that time frame too!)

Week 1 was very productive... packing, organizing, taking things to Goodwill.  Week #2 I started to go a little crazy and by week 3 I was ready to lick the Miyuki right off that seed bead.  Okay, maybe that's a little exaggerated, but I was going through withdrawls.  So when the opportunity arose that I had a little extra time, and some brand new shades of Nicole's Beadbacking that I wanted to play with, I "allowed" myself to sit down and create - in my new studio.

I created this piece a little at a time whenever the stress of the move really got to me.  I'd bring a van load of tubs over to the new house, unpack the contents, then sit in my new studio and listen to the beads.  It brought me such peace as I was making it. 

This piece is called Worlds Apart for a couple of different reasons.  The obvious is that the focal resembles a globe.  Being in purple and green it represents passion and growth, two feelings I really experienced in the process of finding a new home and moving.  The other reason Worlds Apart fits this piece so perfectly has to do with the timing of it's design.

Our old home was a classic, early 1900's Victorian.  It was a large 2 story with winding staircases, no air conditioning, and cable... well, we had to "create" our own wiring for tv in the bedroom.  Our new home is a contemporary ranch.  It's fairly new with the open concept design.  The windows are all high efficiency, we have central air and cable in all the rooms.  The basement is finished (great for Chris' man cave) and it's 180 degrees opposite from our old home.

Hence "Worlds Apart" for the name of this beaded design.  Leaving what we knew and had become very familiar with for a new, unknown yet equally welcoming home.  We're in a place now that we truly appreciate the simple things.  Less maintenance means more time being with those we love and doing the things we love.  No stairs are so important to our aging Springer.  She's acting like a kid again because all the windows are eye level for her.  Puppy Dog Delight!

So this bead embroidered necklace was my first creation in my new studio.  The lighting is beautiful, the windows just beg the sun to shine in and my creative heart is all fluttery with love and happiness.  May your day be filled with delightful adventures too!

{Hugs!}
Dawn

Worlds Apart is available in my Etsy store.  http://www.etsy.com/listing/95747906/worlds-apart-bead-embroidered-necklace It's the perfect necklace for spring and summer because the colors are so vivid.  If you'd like to have a one of a kind piece of jewelry made just for you, feel free to e-mail me and I will work with you to turn your dream design into a reality!

The First Snow - Entry for Etsy Bead Embroidy Guild December Challenge

Winter Wonderland Etsy Bead Embroidery Guild Challenge

My oh my what a busy month December is!  As part of the Esty Bead Embroidery Guild, we were posted with the challenge to create a piece inspired by the theme, Winter Wonderland.  

To me, winter speaks of simplicity, elegance and a monotone color palette.  There are shades of silver and white dancing in snowflakes and sticking to tree branches.  But when you look at a landscape as a whole, it's blends together in a monochromatic picture.

I created a necklace that offers the same simple elegance!  I call this bead embroidered necklace "The First Snow."  The pendant features a sparkly Swarovski flat-back crystal.  It's sparkle is completely reminscent of the "diamonds" that sparkle on the first snow of the season.  You know when you first look out the window before the dogs go out or the kids tromp through the beautiful, fluffy white snowy carpet.  Those little snowflakes that capture the light and sparkle like diamonds.

The First Snow - Click to enlarge photos

I kept the necklace simple to really allow the pendant to be the star of the show.  Classic pearls and fire-polished crystals bring in the hues of white and silver with that touch of sparkle.  I hope you can see my interpretation of a Winter Wonderland.  This piece was custom designed for a Christmas gift and the recipient was delighted to have such a special creation.

To check out the rest of my fellow artisans on the Bead Embroidery Guild, visit their website or check out the fan page on Facebook!
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Dawn Doucette is a jewelry artisan that creates one-of-a-kind beaded jewelry out of her studio in Southeastern Wisconsin.  Dawn really loves bringing personality into each of her designs.  To see other work created by Designs by Dawn Marie, check out her website:  http://www.DesignsbyDawnMarie.com or visit her Etsy Store:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignsByDawnMD.