Cup of Bead Soup Reveal #1 for Summers Studio

Today I'm revealing one of the pieces I made with beads sent to me by Summers Studio.  

The first thing I did was pull out an assortment of beads in the colors of the ceramic and bronze components she made.  I didn't have a design idea in mind, and hoped my stash would provoke some inspiration.  Not the best photo (note to self -- plastic reflects), but you get the idea.... copper chain, green pearls, a mix of green and blue Czech glass.

I decided to use Leann's blossom pendant.  It reminded me of the lily pads I've seen at the National Arboretum, so I decided to use the dragonfly charm as well.  But how to use both?

I finally figured it out.  I wanted the dragonfly to dangle beneath the blossom, so connected both the larger necklace chain and a shorter, more delicate chain together with a bronze ring.  The small length of chain hangs behind the blossom.

Since the pendant is so interesting and the subject matter so serene (I'm thinking Japanese water gardens here), I decided to keep the rest of the necklace a bit austere, with only two olive green Czech blossoms, one variegated glass oval, and a single pale blue flower.  The clasp is also simple, a hook-and-eye clasp I made myself.

So here you are -- a necklace I call "Dragonfly on Waterlily".  Both of Leann's pendants are front and center, and I really think I nailed it matching the glass colors.

Want some of these pieces yourself to play along?  Then visit these sites:

Etsy Shop:  www.summersstudioetc.etsy.com

Blog:  www.summersstudio.blogspot.com

Lori Anderson creates jewelry for her web site, Lori Anderson Designs, and writes the blog An Artist's Year Off.  She's also a contributor to Art Bead Scene.