Blogging for Beads with Artbeads...

So, I signed up for this program called Blogging for Beads with an online bead store, Artbeads. It's an interesting idea in that they offer bloggers the option to receive one of several new products for free in exchange for blogging about their program. I opted for an copper enameled pendant, with the Chinese symbol for Faith on the front. (It's written in English on the back.)

Honestly, I've had a bit of beader's block with this one. Originally, I envisioned something like this project, which is a copper necklace with freshwater pearls. It was pretty, but I wasn't quite satisfied and pulled it apart. Then I thought I would try making my own wire bail (similar to example #2 shown here) and string the pendant between pearls. That was pretty too, but I wasn't too sure when anyone would wear something like that, so I pulled it back apart. Then, I saw a facebook update from a friend whose mother passed away several years ago, and another idea popped in my head.

I scored a great deal on some hand dyed silk ribbons (again, on Artbeads- I swear they are NOT paying me to say this, but I do get a lot of my beading supplies there!!!) and decided to make a choker/yoga style bracelet with the pendant. Not a whole lot of beading going on here, but I did buy some 8mm sterling silver ribbon ends to finish the ends of a lightly pressed black silk ribbon. The pendant itself is hung on the ribbon with a sterling silver Awareness Ribbon bail. I tried a light pink ribbon first, since her mother passed away from cancer, but the look was just too whimsy for what I was going for. I also wanted to incorporate chain as part of a focal piece, but with the vibrant color of the pendant and the relatively large bail, it was better to keep it simple.

This piece was finished using a sterling silver infinity clasp and delicate silver chain as an extender with a Swarovski crystal drop in black diamond and jet. Anyway, rather than attempt to sell this on Etsy, I am going to send this to my friend. I hope it inspires her to have faith that even grief and loss are part of "the Plan," and that her mother is in good hands.