AJE November Component of the Month

I was happy to get a chance to play with Kristen Steven's darling beaded beads as part of the Art Jewelry Component of the month for November.

When the beads arrived in the mail I was so excited that I forgot to snap a photo of them, but I'll bet you can guess which ones they are.

I wanted to do a bracelet or necklace with them instead of the obvious earrings. I tried several designs, none of which turned out the image I had in my head.

It seems these beads were destined to be earrings after all.

 

'Shenandoah's Daughter'

Kristen's beaded beads, polymer beads from Heather Powers (which I've been hoarding for some time) Vintaj curved tubes and brass earwires.

 

My inspiration came from two places. When I was young we would visit my grandparents on my mother's side every Sunday evening. We chowed down on salty popcorn while watching the Lawrence Welk Show and I remember them singing a lovely song 'Oh Shenandoah'.  And recently I heard it again on TV as they were showing re-runs. I don't think that kind of talent is around anymore.

Wait, I just realized I'm showing my age with that bit of information!

 

The second inspiration was our trip to on the Blue Ridge Parkway this summer. We had intended to get all the way up to the Shenandoah Park but were unable to due to heavy fog.  But the beautiful green trees and rugged trails and lovely waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway were awe inspiring and I wanted to incorporate that beauty in these earrings.

 

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

 

Please check out the Art Jewelry Elements Blog to see what everyone else made.