Monday, January 11, 2010

Changing Things Up a Bit

As I stated at the end of the year, I want to change things a bit for Bei Mondi.  I am hoping to go with a more simplistic style.  When I first got excited about beading it was because of the gemstones.  I'm not talking about the fancy stuff, just a simple jasper or agate.  These stones hold more interest to me than the AAA grade sapphire or a huge crystal clear diamond.  They show character.  They show nature's real beauty.  I want to do work that highlights that beauty within the stone and doesn't take too much away from it.

I also have a love for charms.  They add that little message or certain features to a piece.  If I want you to feel a certain way when you look at a necklace with a single stone attached I could add the word "Spicy" or maybe go in the opposite direction with a calming lotus charm.  These both capture very different emotions without overdoing anything.  Simplistic! 

So, here is the start of some new pieces that I hope will gain some attention.


Kawarimono's Pond Moonstone Necklace

 
Siren Song Opal Necklace

Oh, I still love my copper and I still love to experiment with wire.  Here's obvious attempts at that.


My Heart is In Knots For You Copper Necklace

 
Hot Mess Wire Cuff

My new camera and I are having a love/hate relationship right now.  The white balance is all off so more experimenting is needed on my part before great pictures are made.  I'm still making my way through the very thick manual.

Oh, and it looks like my partner in crime for the Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Party is Julie Vallejo.  She has a blog by the name of Rocker Jewlz.  Wow!  What a name!  I can't wait to learn more about her and to swap out some goodies.

Happy Monday Beading friends!

18 comments:

  1. OMG, I am loving that opal necklace. That stone is incredible! How cool is that copper cuff...love it!
    Your pictures are perfect! Now if I can only achieve the same I would be so happy!

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  2. You and I are on the same wavelength! I decided to start the year with much simpler ideas, I think I am calling this line "Simple Treasures"... I want to use up a lot of my smaller art beads and vintage finds and make it affordable for more to have a piece of me around their neck! And I am hoping to do a big gallery show in late spring that will bring out the bigger guns, so this timing just feels right...and then as I was really cookin' I ran out of clasps and some essential chain which took the wind right out of my sails! I am excited about Bead Soup right now too. My bead buddy is Emma at Fred Bean's. Great fun! Enjoy the day, Leslie! Erin

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  3. Sometimes it's difficult to keep it simple-I always have that urge to add more! Love your Siren Song necklace, it's very calming.

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  4. Greetings Leslie!!

    I would think there is a place for both types of your beautiful pieces. I have been noticing that the layering of necklaces and bracelets seem to be gaining quite a following this year. Your awesome Stone and Charm necklaces are perfect for this look!! :)

    Have a wonderful creative day and try to stay warm!!
    Pattie ;)
    Mazatlan Mx.

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  5. I love the mermaid necklace - that is too cool!

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  6. Love the new pieces!! The wire necklace is a success, not an attempt, it turned out great!!

    Marie

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  7. Nice work! I love simple pieces. But it can be difficult to do. Looks like you are off to a fantastic start with these.

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  8. Leslie, love all the new pieces! Simple is nice, sometimes we just want a necklace without a lot of fanfair! But I really love the Hot Mess!!

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  9. Wonderful pieces... love them all...

    Cheers

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  10. Leslie, you are on a roll in this new year!! Let me tell you, I think your photography is excellent!! I feel as if I've witnessed your photography style change and excel in the short time that you've been blogging. You and that new camera seem to be good friends. :-)

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  11. Wonderful pieces, Leslie! The copper necklace is gorgeous!! Keep it up.

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  12. I love it all (oxidized silver is sooo nice) but the copper really speaks to me. That cuff bracelet looks so difficult to make! One wrong turn and poof -- oopsie. Way to go!

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  13. It is always good to switch things up and try new ideas!

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  14. Wow, Leslie, I LOOOOOVE your new creations! Simple or not, your jewelry are awesome! They have class and character and a heart of their own!
    Lots of love, Sanda xx

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  15. Leslie, I mailed all your Bead Soup Party goodies on Friday and will post a photo of the ones you send me when I get them. I used your My Heart is In Knots For You Copper Necklace as inspiration for the colors I used when digging through my bead boxes.

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  16. These are so nice, Leslie. I know what you mean about the simplicity and you can wear the jewelry with more things.

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