Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Charm Club

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to nab a spot in Andrew Thornton's charm club. Andrew was going to create some goodies for 10 lucky people! I had admired Andrew's work for quite some time and was actually able to meet him in person at the Bead & Button show this past June. Andrew is as genuine and sincere as you can get. He enjoys getting to know people and is very passionate about what he does. I thought I'd share here, the awesome package I received through this opportunity.

I'd first like to show this lovely painting - you can read about this series and process here. I love the deep, dark colors and I need to find the perfect place in my studio for this treasure! It is truly beautiful!
Next up is the first piece I have made with the jewelry components Andrew sent. The focal is a polymer clay rectangular bead in which Andrew transferred a bird image to.
The necklace ended up being quite a long one. Here is a closer look..... I like how the graphic feldspar coins mimic the spotted texture on the bird's chest.

I "framed" the bead with a silver chain and attached a Green Girl Studios feather charm to the bottom. On the back it reads "to thine own self be true". I then wired that combo to a Vintaj brass tree branch.
Here is the start of something..... Andrew sent along 3 pieces made of Shrinky Dink material - the heart and 2 wings. I decided to use them together. Once I saw the curvature, it reminded me of the last old drawer pull I had put aside. I am not quite sure what I should use to complete this into a necklace. Suggestions?
And here are all of the other pretties I have yet to play with! There are 2 more polymer clay beads, 4 lampwork glass rounds, a resin cab and circle, bronze (I think) clay links, and 2 of my most fav GGS beads ever: the sugar skull and harpy girl.

One thought comes to mind when I think about this experience: mixed media. Andrew gave those involved such a great variety of materials to work with. The possibilities are endless! Thank you so much Andrew!

5 comments:

Silver Parrot said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I love the necklace - and your picture reminds me that I really need to get a body form like that for longer necklaces so I can check fit and length, etc.

Andrew Thornton said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Oh, you've made some really lovely things! I especially like what you've done with the polymer piece and what you've started with the shrinky-dink pieces. They look AWESOME!

Thanks so much for your support and for participating. You're a rockstar!

Leslie @ Bei Mondi said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Your necklace is beautiful! I like the long length to it. Andrew's painting is ...WOW! What an artist! Does he sell these?

peacockfairy said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Hi Leslie - I am not sure how Andrew handles his work, but I do know he is having a huge sale of his personal jewelry, beads, art, etc.... soon. Keep checking his blog to find out more about it! It will be a great opportunity to get some one of a kind items!

TesoriTrovati said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Andrew is a true treasure. I sure hope he decides to do it again so some others can play along...or maybe would could get a whole bunch of people to swap along....
I met Andrew at B&B too...he is a kind and generous soul who really cares deeply about getting to know each person he meets. I love what you did with these Heather! And I love the shrinky dink one...that would be gorgeous on a antiqued rollo chain with a little key dangling off to one side...sort of a key to my heart thing (you know I love keys!). Enjoy the day! Erin