There is an old saying "better late than never" and that certainly applies to my latest piece created as part of the Artbeads Design Partner Blogging Program.
I have to confess that I should have blogged about this at least a month or so ago but life has it's ups and downs which doesn't always allow us to meet our deadlines.
The most recent theme for the Design Partners was "Winter Enchantment" and as previously mentioned I had decided to use a Eucalyptus Ironbark Gum blossom that blooms in Australia during winter, as my inspiration.
Aren't these the most divine blossoms you have ever seen?
I was originally going to be making a necklace constructed of gum blossoms created using Melind Barta's addictive "Sparkly Wheels" but there were a few bumps in that road
so a gum leaf and blossom brooch was born!
The leaf has been embroidered with size 11/0 seed beads and Czech fire polished beads.
The blossom has been stitched using Czech fire polished beads and size 11/0 seed beads and then fringed with size 11/0 and size 15/0 seed beads.
The leaf is life size measuring approximately 6.5 inches (15cm) long and around 1 inch (1.5cm) wide.
My little man, Spencer, actually said "mummy this looks like a real leaf but with sparkly beads''... ahh an honest critic!
Unfortunately I still need to add the brooch backing as the only ones I had included a loop so it could be worn with a necklace but in the mean time it looks great sitting next to my computer!
As my original design idea had not come to fruition I decided to use the left over beads to make a bracelet to kind of match the brooch!
I love this bracelet as it is so colourful and just has such a happy feeling to it...not to mention you could wear it with just about any outfit!
It's just a pity I will be giving it to a friend for her birthday...
...but hey I can always make another!
♥
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Disclosure: I am a reviewer of Artbeads.com products and a participant of its blogging program. I received all the components free of charge. This post reflects my honest opinion and Artbeads.com is not compensating me for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received and reviewed.
