an·chor
ˈaNGkər/
noun
- 1.a heavy object attached to a rope or chain and used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom, typically one having a metal shank with a ring at one end for the rope and a pair of curved and/or barbed flukes at the other.
 |
| This wonderful Cabochon was made by Sandy Spivey |
 |
| Another View |
 |
| And Finally The Charms! (and my little chair) |
 |
| My Best Friend Redah Modeling the Necklace |
 |
| How the anchors tie into the piece. |
I really found using charms a huge challenge in bead embroidery. So I focused instead on what an anchor means to me. To me an anchor is the piece that while may not be a focal point, it is probably one of the most important parts because it is what holds everything together. The Strength of the piece so to speak.
This is probably my most ambitious bead embroidery piece that I have ever made. I like it, but I don't love it. It really feels to me that I was trying to hard to make an amazing piece and it fell a little flat. The great thing about an experience like this is that I can look at it and see what I would do differently next time, as I continue to grow in this medium. Regardless, I am glad that I joined as I learned about not only what I don't like, but more of what I do. I have always wanted to be Sue Horine when I grow up. Now, I really think I want to come up with pieces of bead embroidery that you can wear everyday, not just for special occasions.
Be sure to check out all the other lovely creations that were made using these wonderful anchor charms. I have to work till this afternoon but I will be checking all the blogs once I get home. A special thank you to Rita for hosting this wonderful hop!
Featured & Honored Artist: Diana Ptaszynski
Diana's Shop: Suburban Girl Beads
Diana's Blogs: Suburban Girl Studio
Hostess: TJ Jewel School Friends
Bobbie Rafferty Beadsong Jewelry
Chris Eisenberg Wanderware
Heather Richter Desert Jewelry Designs
Michelle McCarthy Firefly Design Studio
Kathy Lindemer Bay Moon Design
Dini Bruinsma Angaza by Changes
Cynthia Machata Antiquity Travelers
Kathleen Breeding 99 Bottles of Beads on the Wall
Linda Younkman Lindy's Designs
Robin Reed Artistry HCBD
Marla Gibson (you are here) Spice Box Designs
Gina Hockett Freestyle Elements
Renetha Stanziano Lamplight Crafts
Marianne Baxter Simply Seablime Jewelry
Christina Miles Wings N Scales
Marybeth Rich A Few Words from Within the Pines
Shai Williams Shaiha's Ramblings
Cheri Reed Creative Designs by Cheri
Monique Urquhart A Half-Baked Notion
Jennifer Reno Musings of a Crafty Jenny
Shirley Moore Beads and Bread
Tammy Adams Paisley Lizard
Melissa Trudinger Bead Recipes
Peace and Love <3
I LOVE your design....You perfectly captured the theme. I don't think it fell "flat" at all. It is a beautiful piece and I would proudly wear it. (I found your blog while visiting blogs of the Blue Fantasy Blog hop challenge in which there were some that also participated in the Anchors aweigh blog hop
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. And thanks for sharing where you found my blog at. It is always nice to know! Cheers!
DeleteWow! Such a beautiful necklace and so wonderfully made, your bead work is amazing! Love how you have added the anchors to the back of the necklace such a great detail!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I am so happy you like it!
DeleteWhat a lovely piece! I think the charms anchored your piece just beautifully! Bead embroidery is so intricate and detailed, and you did a wonderful job with both. My admiration and appreciation for bead embroiderers like yourself is boundless. Good job!! Gina H
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Gina!
DeleteHi Marla,
ReplyDeleteI think you did a fantastic job with the entire necklace it is beautiful I love the idea of putting the anchor charms in the back. I also like that you used a live model to show how beautiful it looks worn around the neck.
Thanks Therese! It is always nice to hear such kind words from someone whose work I admire so much! <3
DeleteBeautiful beadwork. That focal is mesmerizing. And how fabulous that with the anchor charm placement, the back of the necklace is just as interesting as the front.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tammy! I am glad you like it! :)
DeleteWow, Marla, your design is spectacular (and the the two charms are like a surprise bonus peeking out!) Your model did a great job showing off this amazing piece :) I imagine we will be seeing lots more bead embroidery here?
ReplyDeleteThanks Monique! Redah was bit worried about her appearance as it was a last minute idea. She had just gotten off work. Yes there will be more bead embroidery coming.
Deletefell flat? holy moly .... I must disagree with you there! This is stunning Marla! and the story with the anchors as the strength behind your piece is absolutely perfect! LOVE this
ReplyDeleteAwwww Thank You so much. It means a lot to me that a woman with your talent would love this piece! I am wishing you and yours well! <3
DeleteI love your necklace. It is beautiful front and back. I also don't think it fell flat, but I understand how it might not be exactly what you had in mind. I think many artists can have people oohing and ahh-ing over their work but still see things they would change. If you are this good now, I look forward to seeing future efforts!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann. You are correct. It really wasn't what I had in mind. I appreciate your encouragement!
Deletebeautiful necklace
ReplyDeleteThank you Heather :)
DeleteWhat a great necklace! I can't see where it fell flat but we are always the pickiest on our own work.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shaiha! I Love your name! We are always our own worst critics, I totally agree!
DeleteWhat a very pretty, and original necklace! It really is a surprise, finding the charms at the backside. And wow, were you lucky to have such a great cabochon... It's very special, your design!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Dini! I am sooo glad you like it!
DeleteWhat a great idea to add the charms on the back of the necklace!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful creation, love all of it! I dont think its flat at all, you created dimension and interest and the colors are perfectly matched to the charms. I think if there was anything to create it to be less "flat" would be to add a tiny touch of color, perhaps a pale yellow or orange that is in the color of the lighthouse...but I would not say it is flat...its BEAUTIFUL..
ReplyDeleteMarla I think your necklace is gorgeous. I don't see any part of it that I would change. It is very unique and creative. The charms in the back was a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you chose to place the anchors! It's so unexpected and beautiful to see the back of a fabulous piece adorned this way! Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI love lighthouses and that cab is fantastic with your bead work!! I think it is so beautiful! I love how you used the anchors in the back, it really makes the symbolism shine.
ReplyDeleteI think the design you made is AMAZING! I am not sure what you expect if that design is falling a little flat??? Really Really wonderful! Have a Blessed Day
ReplyDeleteThis is stunning! What a unique way to use Diana's beads! There is nothing flat about this at all!
ReplyDeleteThis is a showstopper necklace. Wonderful work that you do.
ReplyDelete