Remember way back in August when I was so excited to be making felted wool beads? I kept promissing I would share what I actually ended up making with the beads. It took me a long, long time to find the ‘thing’ that would make these beads all me.
For the past 4-ish years, wire has always been my medium of choice for creating jewelry. (Yeah, I bet you already knew that. I even wrote a book about wire! ) But seriously, for about 3 months, I had no idea how to make my wire work with the wool. Until this piece. It is called “Winds Day”. Yes, like the Winnie the Pooh cartoon. When I sat down to string this necklace, I had intended to thread my needle right threw the center of those sterling wire coils, but just as I was about to push the needle in, I turned the bead a bit and the swirls of wire took center stage on the wool. I love it.
I can’t put my finger on what exactly made me do that little quarter turn. I think may have something to do with design instinct. I do try to follow my gut with jewelry making. I never make what I think with sell, only what I am truly inspired to create. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt. Either way… it is always a colorful ride!
So, how do you design? Do you go with your gut?
Kerry Bogert is blogging and creating glass beads from her home studio in Western NY. You can see more of her work at www.kabsconcepts.com and catch up with her daily at her blog www.kabsconcepts.blogspot.com.
Blanche says:
This necklace is fabulous! I almost thought the hollow beads were from our Etsy shop but I just checked and ours are still there for sale, lol! You did a great job combining all the cool elements. The wire wrapped felt beads are very groovy! Great job. I love the way you finished it off, too. Just perfect all around.
December 29th, 2009 at 4:39 am
Kerry Bogert says:
Hey Blanche,
Thanks for the compliments! I loved working with these colors. I took inspiration from the fiery October sky. There was blazing orange and yellow trees against a dark stormy gray sky. Everything seems to have a more brilliant glow in the storm. I love it.
December 29th, 2009 at 6:06 am
Erin Prais-Hintz says:
That is a dynamite necklace. And I love the name! That little coil of wire peeking really makes it special and is inspiring me to rework a piece that I did.
I agree that I go with my gut. The beads know where they want to be. I just need to follow them!
Thanks for sharing!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
December 29th, 2009 at 8:29 am
deedee says:
Kerry…I love this necklace…the colors are terrific (as they always are) and I love what you did with the felted beads….SO FUN!
I am in awe …( a day without Kerry’s beads,is a day without sunshine!)
December 29th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Kathy says:
Kerry,
Two thumbs up!!!!!!! WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!!
I love the color combos…
December 29th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Marcy says:
Love it and great article!
December 29th, 2009 at 7:58 pm