Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken. - Oscar Wilde

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Back to the Big Beads

For a while there, all I wanted to make were the large textured beads I learned from Lydia at SC Diva.  Then  I got interested in another technique and was off in a different direction.  But I could not forget how much I like this look, so when I was determined to stoke the creative flame, I started again with Lydia's tut.  I was too lazy to drag out the photo light box, hence the shadows.

   In making the first ones, I was looking for different color, so I combined violet and gold which gave me a deep burgundy.   When I added my final coating (made from a mixture of liquid clay and black ink), an interesting affect happened.  Instead of a black finish, it turned a golden color.  I was not too happy with this look - too dark for my liking.






I had a lot of  burgundy clay left, which I then lighted up by adding white and a touch of ecru to soften the color.  This color is one I like better.  Hard to believe it is the same base color.


Off and running.  The next color was a result of mixing scrap clay for bead guts.  I liked the soft blue.
Opps, forgot the bead cap on one. 

But when I added the antiquing, it turned it more grey.  The two on the right are made using a very small portion of a texture plate. It is the only portion of the plate I like. I wonder why I ever bought it - might have come in a pack.


I have found another source of inspiration on line.  Artybecca has posted several mini tuts on flickr. I was experimenting with one earlier today and hope to post the pictures later this week.




3 comments:

  1. I love them all Julee, especially the grey and lavender ones. The antique finish is amazing and your photos don't look too bad at all. Wish mine would come out looking that good (photos and beads).

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  2. Beautiful beads; so perfect! I like the photos too!

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  3. I really like this style and you seem to have the process down!

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