Bead Peeps Swap N Hop Reveal

Today's the day we've been waiting for: the 3rd Annual Bead Peeps Swap N Hop!

Members of the Bead Peeps Facebook Group were assigned partners and swapped beads. We were to send at least one artisan component. As well, the packages had to include a focal, a clasp, and/or beads. I was partnered up with the fabulous Kari Asbury. The link goes to her Instagram, but you can find more of her beautiful work on her website: KariAsbury.com. Here's the pretties that Kari sent me.

You can see these in more detail on my Bead Peeps Swap N Hop: The Exchange post. Kari sent me many, many treasures! Included in the mix were several items made by her, ceramic elements from Gaea, more ceramic pretties from Spirited Earth, a handmade pendant from Tesori Trovati, some WoolyWire, sari silk ribbon, and a bright mix of glass beads.

As an added challenge, Linda (the group's administrator and our hostess), encouraged us to have duplicates of what we sent out partners and make something from that. I thought this challenge sounded interesting and always love to see what different artists do with the same materials, so I played along. Here's a look at both what I sent to Kari and kept for myself.

The artisan component in my mix was the crown pendant from Dry Gulch on etsy. I also altered some brass folder rings with patinas in an attempt to make them match the crown. As well, I threw in a brass clasp, ceramic buttons, and a mix of glass, metal, and stone beads.

Before I reveal what I made, I want to admit that I didn't use near all the beautiful pieces Kari sent me. There were so many! And, as excited as I was about the wooly wire, I just couldn't decide how best to feature it. However, I did use almost all of the pieces that Kari made herself. They just called out to me.

As soon as I got the pictures taken, I knew that the two dragonfly tiles were meant to be earrings. These emerged in no time.

They simply fell together! In addition to Kari's dragonfly tiles; I used two small amber-colored glass beads from the mix and small bits of the sari silk she sent. From my own stash, I added brass bead caps, jump rings, ear wires, and violet crystals.

Here's another look at these beauties.

I stayed in the groove with Kari's tiles and created a simple pendant with a few more of the beads Kari sent and some antiqued copper wire of my own.

Kari's "Gypsy Soul" pendant told me what colors to use, and I went with it. The biggest hurdle in making this necklace was actually finding copper ball chain, which I was adamant it needed.

I think it would look lovely layered with another necklace or two for a true gypsy look.

My favorite item in the package from Kari was the key with the rhinestones.

It was just SO ME! But, that made it even harder for me decide how best to use it. I kept trying to work it into a necklace. However, a spark of inspiration finally hit when I realized that the thin nature of the key would allow me to both bend it and punch a hole in it.

With those tasks done, I was able to create this simple bracelet.

I aged a piece of thick (16 gauge maybe?) brass wire. First, I formed a hook to work as a clasp. With another piece of wire, I turned loops on either end and bent the rest into a small arc. Antiqued brass jump rings connect everything.

I am ABSOLUTELY smitten with this bracelet. It is my precious.

Once I had those projects tackled, my attention was turned to the duplicate set. Kari and I both agreed that the crown was a bit of a larger pendant than either of us was used to working with. This was totally my fault because I just didn't pay attention to the size when I ordered them, they were just so pretty!! After some thought, this necklace came together.

With some of the same Czech glass beads and brass breads that I sent Kari, I made the front portion of the chain. Antiqued brass chain makes up the back as well as the fringe.

The back of pieces always interest me. It's like getting a peek into the inner workings. Since I had to fiddle with the makings of this one to get the fringe to hang just the way I wanted, I thought you should see how I did it.

From the jump ring at the top of the crown, I hung a few links of chain. At the bottom of this chain is a large jump ring onto which I threaded the various strands of chain used for the fringe. It worked perfectly.

Here's a look at the entirety of the necklace.

I decided not to add a clasp to this as it easily fits over any head.

And, here's a final (blurry - sorry!) look at all the pieces I made for this challenge.

Now, I hope you take the time to hop over to Kari's Blog and see what she created. I know I can't wait. As well, make sure to use the hashtag #BeadPeepsSwapNHop17 as you search Instagram for other reveals, or just hop though the list below!!

Enjoy the pretties!

Linda Anderson - Hostess - http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
Non-Seed Beaders
Linda Anderson    Christina Hickman Catherine LaVite Barbara Price    Kathy Lindmer Linda Raggo Marianne Baxter Rachelle Walker Gloria Allen Ally Asato Robin Lynne Showstack Naomi Knafla    Maria Rosa Sharrow Dana Phillips  Michelle McCarthy Beth Blanc    Hope Smitherman Kari Asbury    Shai Williams  Betony Maiden  Inge van Roos     Kelly Hosford Patterson Kristina Peck Lori Schneider Rosantia Petkova    Erika Price Claire Fabian Rachel Mallis Deb Fortin    Nicole Rennell  Joanne Bell Johana Nunez Sam Waghorn    Natalie Davidson Robin Reed    Faye Wolfenden Karin King Divya   Seed Beaders Rebecca White Palak Udeshi Penny Houghton Krafty Max    Heather Canepa Ginger Bishop Katy Heider     Renetha Stanziano Becky Pancake Tina Pawass Mowse Doyle Tami Norris Minnette Miller Veralynne Malone