Sweet Bead Studio Blog
With One Finding {a jewelry collaboration}
The beautiful Summer 2011 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry has been on the newstands for a few weeks, have you seen it? I’m excited to share with you a little about one of the articles you’ll find inside. Late last year my friend Diane Cook, of Rosa and Josies, kindly asked if I would like to participate in a challenge with 5 other jewelry designers (oh would I!). We were asked to create a piece of jewelry using one finding, the “Marianne” by Brass Bouquet. Oh the possibilities! I hope you’ll have a chance to pick up a copy of this issue to see the end results by participants, Diane Cook, Diana Frey, Mary Jane Dodd, Riki Schumacher, Molly Alexander, and Julie Pishny. I am inspired by each and every design… it is amazing just how unique they all are. Diana’s necklace incorporated 6 of the Marianne focal pieces! Incidentally, if you visit Diana’s blog, you’ll be able to have a glimpse the entire article, page by page.
For my design, I was inspired by the book, French General: Treasured notions. The romantic and detailed focal really lent itself to something rather delicate. After I decided how I wanted to work with the filigree opening (resin? rivet something inside?), I was on my way. I knew I wanted to incorporate an old piece of linen. I thought of adding some embroidery stitches to the linen, but instead opted for pretty teal blue seed beads, and a brass bead cap that I flattened to resemble a metallic sequin. I riveted the focal to a piece of brass that I had etched and cut to shape. With some sparkly Swarovski crystals, a floral brass button, and sari ribbon from Mudhound Studio, the piece was complete. I sent my package off to Diane in Texas, hoping it would be suitable to join the works of the other challenge participants. Diane wrote a wonderful article which includes questions asked of all of the artists, as well as the interesting answers. I was amazed at the exceptional results and so happy to have had this opportunity to participate.
If you happen to be a fan of Diane Cook’s beautiful jewelry like me, please consider joining us this September for the ArtBLISS retreat. We are so excited that Diane will be making her way out East expressly to join us for a weekend of jewelry workshops. Diane has a full line-up of classes, which includes Etched and Layered Cuffs, “Believe” Soldered Pendant Necklace, and Heartstrings. Come learn from a nationally-recognized instructor, whose work frequently graces the pages of the prestigious Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine. We’re all going to have a great time, whether you can come for an evening class or the full weekend!
-Cindy
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Cindy Wimmer is a jewelry designer with a passion for combining vintage elements with modern wire design. She is the co-founder of artBLISS, hosting jewelry and mixed media workshops in the DC area. Her best-selling jewelry design book, The Missing Link, was released in Fall 2013. Read more.
SO SO SO in love with this, and audible gasps when I opened the magazine and saw it!!!!!
jaw dropping on the floor gorgeous… the necklace, the stitching, the photos… all of it! i can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this one!! that is one stellar line up of ladies. congrats to the whole group!!
Love the magazine and your contribution is lovely. It looks like copper on my screen and the turquoise is such a great compliment to the metal! It’s a stand alone piece!
Oh My!!! Cindy this is just an amazing piece of art. Oh how I wish I could see it in person so I could take in all the details. It is beautiful–congrats to you and the group.
Yes, Cindy your necklace is indeed a jaw dropper!! I loved it from the moment I saw it, and was SO impressed with all the work you put into it!
These pictures are so beautiful, my friend….perfectly captures the beauty of your necklace =)) Perfectly!!
Thanks for mentioning my classes at ArtBLISS. I am so happy to be coming to the east coast. It will be my first time in the DC area….and I am thrilled =)
Again, thanks for taking part in my little brainstorm of an idea. It WAS a BLAST wasn’t it?
I got my copy of BAJ last week and have been drooling over it since then. Your contribution to the collaboration is gorgeous! The colors are so regal and rich!
How Regal Cindy!! Just a Beauty!
Have my copy ready to drool on!!
You did such a fantastic job.
And might I say that I think you ladies bought out the ‘Marianne’ stock as I couldn’t find it on the website!
Exceptionally beautiful Cindy! I have a copy and was in disbelief at how gorgeous the whole article is…..very very you! Congrat’s for the collaboration, a gorgeous piece and a beautiful publication!
I think this was the coolest article! A very original idea and beautiful work resulted from the inspiration piece. I know you were in your element!
Oh my!!!!!! so pretty what you did with a finding, I have to check out the rest of the jewelry,, Thanks for sharing..
Very nice, I love the layered look. Your piece looks contemporary and antique at the same time.
i have a copy of this issue. beautiful work!
totally gorgeous and so inspiring! I read Diane’s blog post already and was blown away. Haven’t gotten the magazine yet, but it sounds like the perfect thing to pickup on my way out to the beach!
Congratulations, Cindy! Such a fantastic collaboration idea and the resulting necklaces were stunning! Love the layers and details of your piece, so sweetly romantic…
My favorite jewelry magazine always woos me with the work of some of my favorite jewelry artists/creators! Cindy, your necklace is stellar!!! The challenge was a success! Proud to know you, sister!!! I’ve drooled thru the mag. twice but it’s not raggidy and dog eared – YET!
absolutely beautiful Cindy
I just picked up a copy yesterday and noticed your piece right away as I was going though it. I love the turquoise blue colors with the brass and all the intricate detail you added to each focal piece. Truly a work of art! I think your blog pictures show your piece even more beautifully than the magazine. Wow!
That is a very stunning necklace!!
All I can say is WOW!
I know this sounds funny, but you’d never know that finding was incorporated into your necklace because you did so much to it-They’re all gorgeous 🙂
Stunning, Cindy! It’s just gorgeous!
Great magaine and beautiful designs!
Congrats Cindy! This is gorgeous! I must say that this was one talented collaboration! I need to go pick up the newest edition of Belle right away!….
STUNNING!!
LOVE IT!!!!
colours are AMAZING!!!
hugs
hello gorgeous xxx
Cindy, your photography of your piece is much more stunning than the one in Belle Armoire. It really pops! It’s such a beautiful necklace. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
Jeanette
Congrats Cindy, what a beautiful piece!!!! Sandi
Oh, Cindy – it’s breathtaking! The teal beads really pop against the brass – so lovely! And the fabric is such a nice touch.
I loved the article. How fun it must have been to collaborate with these talented ladies. Your piece is just stunning!
Cindy, your piece is stunning….there is so many lovely details! What a great collaboration to be a part of.
Congrats Cindy!! you did a FANTASTIC piece of art!!
It is stunning! Love the colors. Beautiful work Cindy! 🙂