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A few months ago, I signed up for the
Natural Materials challenge with some Beading Daily forum
members. The basic idea is that everyone sends in at least 30 of
something (one for each person in the challenge) and the moderator makes
up kits to send to everyone else. I haven't used this type of material (shells,
gemstones,
wood) in a long time, so this will be a challenge for me.
My kit arrived yesterday. I'm delighted and overwhelmed by all the
beads and findings tucked inside. Some of the packets were labeled, so I
could see who sent what. That was a nice touch—I felt like I knew
those beaders a bit better after seeing what kinds of beads they had
sent. (It never occurred to me to do that.) |
Here are just 4 of the many beads in the kit that grabbed my attention:
Aren't these dark wood beads an unusual shape? My
immediate thought was "wood teardrops"—what kind of design does that inspire?
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I never met a green bead I didn't like. The delicate shell contrasts with the bright color. |
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These textured rounds reminded me of the candy French Burnt Peanuts. |
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I find the gemstone unakite very challenging to use because of the contrasting colors of salmon and green. I never know what else to pair them with. |
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I have to make something with these materials—probably several "somethings"—in September. I've been feeling like I'm in a
creative rut lately and I'm hoping
this challenge might shake me out of it. Ruts are never good, even if they are paved with lampworked glass and crystals!