The deadline for this hop was very loose; reveal your creation(s) sometime between the end of October and the end of November. Thus, it's a ROLLING hop. As well, Christine only asked that we use at least one of the vintage wooden spools she sent us. At first I was determined to use all three, but after finishing off the first two ideas I ran out of steam. Anyway, here's what I created with them. (I really love what I made so I may go overboard with the pictures, fair warning. Also, clicking on the pictures will zoom in on them.)
With both of the spools I used, I felt the need to alter the empty portion where the thread used to be. And, in both cases I used paper to do so. In the first, it was some delicate, yellowed, French text from a book.
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| I can only pick out a few of the French words, so I hope it's not nasty. |
For the rest of the necklace I wanted to stay simple and play off the sewing theme, so I pulled a little from my abundance of buttons. Sticking to vintage mother of pearl buttons, I stacked them above and below the spool, created a chain, and dangled one from the spool.
I also finished off the chain with some small wood beads and a dainty, vintage-looking brass clasp.
Weirdly enough, before Christine ever mentioned a challenge or told me what the challenge materials would be, I had already sketched out a spool necklace design. Though what I ended up with isn't exactly what I drew, it's really close! My sketch used wire instead of the chain, but this worked wonderfully. And, I may still use wire idea eventually with the other spool.
Again, I altered some paper for the center piece. This time it was some dictionary text, though you can't really see it for all the altering I did to the paper. I think the technique worked wonderfully and I'll share the process I used later. For now, it's all about these spools.
I finished the necklace off simply with more chain and a few wire-wrapped beads.
The dangles are just a random collection of beads, charms, and found objects that I thought went well with the tarnished/sparkly feel of the paper.
I've already worn this necklace out and am really in love with it.
Now, I still have that one spool from Christine left and plan on using it at some point for sure, but I didn't want to try to force inspiration. Instead, I'll just let inspiration find me.
Here are links to the twelve other participants in this rolling hop.
Thanks to Christine for the awesome challenge and thanks to you for stopping by!
What would you do with wooden spools?
Oh Hope! YES!!! These are SO so wonderful!!! I just adore your style of jewelry (or should I say j'adore?! LOL). Each and every piece has a past and is present and tells a story. The use of the paper on these is just fantastic...I have had a lot of ideas as to what to wrap around these but I never thought of paper. The buttons make the perfect chain for the spool. The color scheme, and the hidden words on that second one are fantastic...it must have some good movement too. I am thrilled you said yes to this hop, but I knew you would...I had you at "antique store" ;-) Thanks so much for your time and your talent. I *Love* it here at Crafty Hope!
ReplyDeleteLOVE LOVE LOVE, most especially the spool pendant with the buttons! [ I might have to be a copycat...]
ReplyDeleteTammie, I'm so so pleased you like my contributions to this. I had so much fun with it. And I do love my buttons. I'm glad you like that chain. It's just buttons and a bunch of jump rings. So easy! I can't wait to see what you do. :)
DeleteHi Hope,
ReplyDeleteI love what you did with the spools and it is so you with the text paper. Ah so if the French is a little racy it adds spice. I like that you made one of the necklaces with buttons, another signature of your style. Great job on both.
Therese
Hope - these are wonderful! They have a very Victorian feel to them which j'adore! I'd wear both of them. You transformed them into elegance!
ReplyDeleteJanet - You are too kind. I had so, so much fun with this challenge and am even thinking of adding spools to my regular rotation of materials. They make such a good medium. And, I know I'm going to get all kinds of great inspiration from these other designers!! ;) Thanks again.
DeleteBeautiful, Hope! I love the wood and mother of pearl color and texture of the first piece, and I think the way you turned the spool on the side for the second piece is just brilliant! I LOVE the swooping chain with all the dangles under the spool. Really, really lovely work!
ReplyDeleteErin - Thank you! This was such cool challenge. I'm so pleased that I was able to make a unique material become jewelry. And I enjoyed every minute of the process. The fact that you like what I created means so very much to me!! Thanks again.
DeleteLove the spool jewelry!
ReplyDeleteCandy - Thanks so much!! It was a great medium to work with.
DeleteBoth of those are beautiful. They work so well with the different chains.
ReplyDeleteI love the pages around the middle of the first spool and the buttons -- it's perfect. I also love the dangles on the second and that you used it horizontally. I want to do that with my last one.
Just love how you've embellished Christine's spools with paper, which you've taken to a new art in your second piece. Looking forward to hearing about your technique. And your finishing touches for both pieces are simply perfection!
ReplyDeleteHope these are awesome! I love the idea of using paper with them - really a fantastic design .... and the buttons are a perfect addition for that vintage (sewing) look! The second one is wonderfully dark and mysterious ... a great piece for a night out! I bet it was fun to wear :)
ReplyDeleteCynthia- Thank you :) The paper seemed like a natural choice to me, but that's just the way I think. I don't know what it is about paper, but I love the stuff. (I've always been a bookworm.) The necklace was totally fun and my best friend who was with me when I wore it said it was a totally me necklace. Ha!
DeleteThanks again!
Oh yes - the first one with the buttons is awesome! I would have absolutely no idea what to do with those spools-fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWhat clever use of those spools! I love what you did - but especially the french word spool. It's so neat!
ReplyDeleteI love what you have done with both spools! The buttons make a fabulous chain. Turning the second one its side is so unique. Nice work with Christine's challenge!
ReplyDeleteBoth pieces are great! What I really love is that you managed to transcend time. You kept the essence of the age and mystery of the spools. Atmosphere. Your necklaces both have tremendous, wonderful atmosphere. Wow. GREAT interpretation!!!
ReplyDeleteLiz- Thank you so very much! I really loved the medium Christine presented us with and may actually add the spools to my regular supply list. I like the opportunity to add a little 'art' to the middle of them. I'm so happy you like what I did with them as well. Thanks again!
DeleteWow..how fun! Love your necklaces...great idea! I can see that done many different ways...
ReplyDeleteChristina- Thank you! Yeah, I want to keep on using them with the paper in the middle but with different patterns and techniques and colors. I really enjoyed playing with the spools and that's what it felt like! That's always a good sign. :)
DeleteOh wow! Those little spools got all dressed up ;) What beautiful work you do... I think the first one is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteSqueal! Love, love, love this idea! Never would have thought of paper, and it looks soo cool. They are both so different too! You rock girl!
ReplyDeleteShirley- You're too cute! I've actually been trying to think of something OTHER than paper to alter the inside of my last spool but keep coming up with a blank (or really bad ideas). I'm super interested in what the rest of the hoppers do with these babies. Thank you so much for your sweet words.
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