Monday, August 6, 2012

Bead Fest and Friends

Bead Fest Philly is right around the corner!  I am not selling there, but I have many friends who are.  I am heading there for the weekend, and so excited to see some friends I met in the spring there, and meet some friends for the first time (like Barbara Bechtel from Second Surf.  It's the first time I get to meet someone from Love my Art Jewelry in person!!!)

I always agonize over what jewelry to wear to something like Bead Fest.  So I challenged myself to make something using as many art beads from various artists (friends) from my stash as I could.  I think most of these ladies will be there next weekend, either to sell or visit.  I wanted to represent all the talent that I love while at the show!!!!!  So without further ado, I give you,

"Bead Babes Rock"




It was challenging for me to squeeze so many beads into one piece.  I wanted to wear it, so it had to be my choker style, which doesn't allow for too many focals at once.  I used one of my silver swirl focals along with a beautiful black raku bead from Lisa Peters Art.  From there I added a garnet donut and a raku ammonite from Surburban Girl Studio, some petal pearls and labradorite.


On the other side, I added some stick pearls, one of Genea Beads lovely stick / toggle bar beads, a disc bead from Marsha Neal Studio, a raku with beautiful burgandy flash from Maku Studio, another garnet bead and red pearl.


But that still wasn't everyone!!!!  How would I add more???  Well, since I always wear tank tops or tops with very open backs, I decided to go fancy and make the necklace pretty in the back too.  So I added a claps with a pretty U shaped dangle that allowed me to add a star from Starry Road Studio and a drop from Joan Miller Porcelain.  It is adjustable, and the extra chain makes two more drops down my back. 


So, I have something I will wear all the time, with the Bead Babes in my stash represented!  I would say its just my style. I know this will be my new favorite necklace!




(messy hair, no make-up, but that necklace is just fab!!!  LOL!)

Are you going to Bead Fest?  If so, are you meeting up with anyone, doing a swap?  Making something special?

18 comments:

  1. Oh.WOW!!! That is such a fantastic collection of beads and SO your style of necklace... LOVE IT! I am really fascinated with the loop at the back - such awesome curves and lines (quite the right bit of loop and length - right on!!!).

    I look forward to Bead Fest shopping, swapping, chatting with friends and enjoying some dinner with beady folks! It's going to be so much fun this year!!!

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  2. Beautiful Necklace! I love the back, how it drapes!!! What a show stopper!!! Have fun.

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  3. It is gorgeous I can't wait to meet you!!!!

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  4. Absolutely fabulous, Staci! What an awesome idea! I wish I could be there with you. I'm going in spirit!

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  5. That is fantastic - so many beatiful beads and artists represented. What a wonderful idea.

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  6. Love the idea of a collaborative piece! Such a masterpiece!

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  7. I absolutely love this!!!!! I'm sorry I won't be there to see you wearing this in person. :-( I so want one of your signature necklaces...so when you come back and if you have the time, I'd like to order a custom piece, something similar. Pretty please?? :-)

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  8. Love this necklace! It's perfect with your Staci style and has some wonderful art beads on it! Thanks so much for adding one of mine to your design! I LOVE the clasp and the dangles on the back! So creative! Everyone can enjoy your necklace if they are in front ooooing and ahhhhhing or even in the back! Gorgeous!

    xo Genea

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  9. I just love using beads from all different artists! I love the colors of your necklace, and how you coordinated the art beads with the garnet, lab, and pearls. And the clasp is gorgeous. Great necklace, Sta Lo!

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  10. Oh, it is so you...

    Hope you have a fun time be-(ad)-ing with your friends. :)

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  11. Love your necklace, specially the back! :) Hope to meet you in Philly, it's my first time ever to a show like this.

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  12. Very Pretty! I think you should consider switching off and wearing it backwards sometimes!

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  13. Beautiful choker Staci, hope to see it in person at beadfest! I will be going, meeting up with friends, shopping and taking a few classes, enameling with Linda Darty and fast fire bronze with Ed and Martha Biggar. Can't wait! Just recently found your blog and will following!

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  14. It's so you! I love it Staci! Unfortunately, I won't get to see it in person at BeadFest this year, but happy to know that I will be represented by you! Have a great time and thanks so much for sharing your beautiful, funky creation!!!

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