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7th Bead Soup Party: Shalini's Sparkly Serving Revealed!

So the day is finally here! Its PARTY TIME! My parties are always "Bring a Bottle" kinds so help yourself to your favourite tipple and enjoy!

Part 1: This is my first entry into the world of Bead Soups. Be gentle lovely people...

It all started when I signed up for the Pretty Things 7th Bead Soup Blog party on 26 January. I have since blogged a bit about it.

My Partner Sarah Goode from Pookledo sent me a lovely stash of shiny things!
A handful of Swarovski disc crystals / Some metal glitterballs in various sizes / A length of silver plated chain / Some Swarovski glass pearls / a magnetic glitterball clasp 

Yummy I hear you say! It is! But apart from the silver chain these are things I have NEVER worked with before!
My pieces tend to have a lot of colour in them! And here I am looking at lots of grey (OK shiny silvery grey but it is shades of grey, maybe not quite 50 but near enough!) HELP! This is totally out of my comfort zone!

You set me a challenge Sarah. A BIG one! I spent a few days staring at the soup on my work board. Then I put it all away. Then I went on the internet and looked at pictures of jewellery made of crystals. Then I stared at the soup some more...

And then I made this!

I added a handful of Haematite beads, a Haematite twinned heart and some silver plated jump-rings to Sarah's soup

This crystal necklace set is listed in my on-line showroom: www.jewellerybyshalini.co.uk/sparkly-crystal-necklace-with-haematite/

So that's the crystal discs, Focal Bead, clasp and all the chain taken care of.

But what about those clear glass disc beads that Sarah cleverly omitted from that soup picture above and from the list of beads she wrote on her blog. They are not grey but they are CLEAR Glass! They have NO COLOUR! Quite different from similarly shaped Turquoise beads I have played with a lot in the past. But then I don't have to use ALL the beads in the soup do I? Maybe I won't use them....

Get your glasses/cups refilled before you start on Part II: 

Its now the middle of March and Mr A and I have spent a lot of time talking about how nice it would be to have spring, some sunshine and some colour outside again. Its been cold and snowy and grey and snowy and wet and snowy. Enough already! And I still have clear glass beads and silver-grey Swarovski pearls that I really should use!

If mother nature cannot bring some colour into my life I will find some for myself! OK?

Continuing with the chain theme I used gold plated chain and added generous helpings of dyed yellow and orange shell beads and green Aventurine beads to this one


The Spring has sprung jewellery set is now listed in my online showroom: www.jewellerybyshalini.co.uk/spring-necklace/ 

And some Freshwater pearls to match the gorgeous chunky Silver Glass Pearls

This one off  pearl bracelet is now listed in my online shop: www.jewellerybyshalini.co.uk/pretty-in-pink-pearl-bracelet/

And I couldn't possibly leave the two remaining crystal discs as orphans could I?

This one off piece is now listed in my online shop: www.jewellerybyshalini.co.uk/pearl-crystal-earrings/

I have had SO MUCH fun trying out new ideas and making these pieces. I am very grateful to Sarah for setting me this challenge. It has given me so much confidence! And taught me that anything is possible if only I believe in myself enough! Because if I don't why should anyone else believe in Me?

I have not yet decided if I am keeping all of these pieces or if they will be available to buy. I'll get back to you on that one!

Hope you enjoyed my party. Don't forget 521 other jewellery designers are co hosting a similar party and you really should  check them all out!


And  these are the other parties starting today:
http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/2013/04/7th-bead-soup-blog-party-2nd-reveal.html

This party started on 31st March and is still going on!

And there will be another one starting on 20th April which I will give you an address for on the day.






Labels:

Comments

  1. Juli Cannon13 April 2013 at 07:05

    Beautiful on all counts, Shalini! So glad you joined this round of BSBP. <3

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  2. Penny13 April 2013 at 07:10

    What a wonderful thing to be challenged! I love the necklace you created from your shiny chrystals. Something to wear with that ballgown, isn´t it?

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    Replies
    1. Shalini Austin Metalsmith13 April 2013 at 09:53

      I think Mr A should be presented with my wish list of ball gowns... :D

      Delete
  3. Pookledo13 April 2013 at 07:27

    Just off to a craft fair but couldn't resist coming in and seeing what you had made before I went. Wow! I can't decide my favourite. Maybe the necklace with the sneaky clear glass discs, or the silver and pink bracelet. And the swarovswi necklace needs a stunning ballgown to match it.

    Well done!

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    1. Shalini Austin Metalsmith13 April 2013 at 09:56

      Thank you Sarah. You made these pieces possible. So grateful to you for sending me this challenge!
      I love what you made with mine too! Quite a contrast eh? I sent you LOTS of colour and you sent me a grey canvas. And we both made something amazing from it!

      Have a great day at the craft fair. I have one tomorrow and will be showing off with my Sparkly pieces!

      Delete
  4. Unknown13 April 2013 at 08:29

    Wow, that is a lot of bling! I love the first piece. I'm a navy blue and silver girl myself. If I was to wear a lot of color though I love the yellow, orange and green set. Those colors just make me happy. You have created so many pieces you have a new jewelry wardrobe.

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    1. Shalini Austin Metalsmith13 April 2013 at 09:52

      Thanks Ginger, I have loved every moment of this, even the staring blankly at the soup wondering what to do!

      Delete
  5. Unknown13 April 2013 at 08:56

    WOW!
    All so beautiful!!!!!

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  6. Lorelle13 April 2013 at 09:46

    I love what you've done with your sparklies, they're all fun pieces, I chose to be 3rd reveal so there's still heaps to see

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    1. Shalini Austin Metalsmith13 April 2013 at 09:50

      Thanks Lorelle :-)
      The first two reveals have brought up some fabulous designs, I am sure the 3rd will be really good too!

      Delete
  7. Raja13 April 2013 at 11:41

    My knowledge of jewellery isn't the greatest but one doesn't need to know a lot to see how absolutely beautiful and amazing these pieces are.

    And to think that this was the first time you were working on these types of beads - that shows how good you are,so don't ever sell yourself short. :-)

    To use a cliche from the world of boring cricket commentary, "this should do your confidence a world of good". :-)

    Now that you know what more you are capable of, this should encourage you to broaden your range of products so that there is something for every taste out there.

    Very well done, Shalini. Congratulations!

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  8. Anonymous13 April 2013 at 12:04

    Love the shimmery colours and the elegance of the necklace and bracelet

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  9. Beti Horvath13 April 2013 at 12:39

    You have some wonderful pieces there! I love that you put it aside for a while, then gave in to another creative spurt!

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    1. Shalini Austin Metalsmith13 April 2013 at 14:48

      Sometimes walking away is the best thing to do and it worked! I was panicking to start with...

      Delete
  10. m.e.13 April 2013 at 12:55

    Bead -utiful designs !
    That first necklace is just bling-alicios !!!

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    Replies
    1. Shalini Austin Metalsmith13 April 2013 at 14:47

      bling-alicios has to be the word of the day! Thank you :-)

      Delete
  11. WindDancerStudios13 April 2013 at 13:09

    Look at all that sparkle! You've made some really fun pieces!

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  12. PiPa13 April 2013 at 13:58

    Oh my, everything's beautiful, but that shiny necklace...is beyond words!

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  13. Unknown13 April 2013 at 14:13

    Love the earrings!

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  14. brandi13 April 2013 at 14:35

    ~sparkling beauties indeed...these are wonderful pieces you have created...much love light and blessings~

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  15. Kristin Oppold13 April 2013 at 14:54

    Very elegant work!!!!!! Kristin Oppold

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  16. Anonymous13 April 2013 at 16:30

    Wow, that first piece is very elegant and regal

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  17. bailaora13 April 2013 at 19:28

    How i like sparkling pieces!!!!!!super designs!

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  18. Unknown13 April 2013 at 20:51

    Oh wow... utterly breathtaking !

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  19. Unknown14 April 2013 at 03:45

    Love what you did with the crystals. The necklace is soooo romantic.
    kathy

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous14 April 2013 at 06:38

    WOW!!! These are fantastic pieces!! That top necklace is a stunner -- even without your trademark splash of color. Each piece is beautiful -- but I do love the set with the bright colors and the "dew drops" of clear glass. So lovely! ;)

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    Replies
    1. Shalini Austin Metalsmith15 April 2013 at 08:04

      Thanks Heidi, I really do value your comments a LOT! :-)

      Delete
  21. Mags14 April 2013 at 11:07

    Sparkle is gooood :-D It's really stylish too!

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  22. Empty nester at last14 April 2013 at 19:18

    Well I do think you need to get Mr A to buy you some ball gowns!!! That first necklace is exquisite! I love reading history romances and anything with vampires and witches and such and that first necklace just screams ROMANCE!!!!! Excellent Job.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Shalini Austin Metalsmith15 April 2013 at 08:06

      Thanks!
      Its not a style of work I have considered before but I think I will now be keeping my eyes open for sparkly things to add to my bead stash for future designs :-)

      Delete
  23. coffeeaddict14 April 2013 at 20:35

    I'm such a magpie ;-) no wonder I fell for the crystal necklace set! Wonderful work

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  24. Anonymous14 April 2013 at 20:42

    Wow, I love what you made from the soup! Congratulations! <3

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  25. Shai Williams14 April 2013 at 20:49

    Wow! For someone who was so clearly presented a challenge, you overcame it with grace. That first necklace is such a stunner. I could easily see it being worn on Downton Abbey.

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    Replies
    1. Shalini Austin Metalsmith15 April 2013 at 08:08

      Ah Shaiha, I did initially call it my Downton Abbey tribute :-) Lady Grantham would look lovely wearing it wouldn't she?

      Delete
  26. Becky Pancake14 April 2013 at 21:08

    Shalini your did your soup proud. I had never thought of a clear soup. The pink and gray bracelet and earrings are my favorite.

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    Replies
    1. Shalini Austin Metalsmith15 April 2013 at 08:10

      There is something to be said about starting with a clear canvas, It can be whatever you want it to be and these turned out rather nice. Thanks Becky :-)

      Delete
  27. Chelle14 April 2013 at 22:29

    Ohhh shiny jewels :) what an elegant first piece. & yes color is a great thing :)

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  28. Giorgia Rossini15 April 2013 at 08:31

    I love the second set!
    I'm on the 3rd reveal, I'm partecipating for the 3rd time... I love this funny BSBP!
    ciao dall'Italia

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    Replies
    1. Shalini Austin Metalsmith18 April 2013 at 07:08

      Thanks Jo, I am so glad I found BSBP! Look forward to seeing your work.

      Delete
  29. Unknown15 April 2013 at 13:03

    You took my breath away !!! So beautiful.

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  30. Sea of Dreams16 April 2013 at 02:56

    Stunning pieces! I love how each has a different feel

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  31. Jean A. Wells16 April 2013 at 03:44

    Beautiful jewelry. The first beauty looks like it would be owned by an exotic belly-dancer and the second necklace with its colorful palette is my favorite. Everything is lovely. Great job!

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    Replies
    1. Shalini Austin Metalsmith18 April 2013 at 07:10

      Thank you Jean, I am having a big debate with myself about the second one at the moment. Should it stay or should I offer it for sale...

      Delete
  32. Libellula Jewelry™16 April 2013 at 16:55

    Your work went from exotic to playful to conservative/traditional and right back to playful! I love that you work in so many styles--variety *is* the spice of life.

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    Replies
    1. Shalini Austin Metalsmith18 April 2013 at 07:12

      That's a nice way of describing it :-) I quite surprised myself too at how different each one turned out!

      Delete
  33. CraftyHope17 April 2013 at 02:19

    Wow, that first necklace is a work of art! You really rocked that chain and crystals. As well, the rest of your pieces also turned out so fabulously! Well done. :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. A Polymer Penchant18 April 2013 at 18:58

    What fun! I love the first one especially, very Gatsby-esque

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  35. Kepi19 April 2013 at 02:15

    Lovely designs, great job.

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  36. Kumi Fisher19 April 2013 at 09:17

    Wow love everything you made! The focal you made for your partner was beautiful too! Great job!

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    Replies
    1. Shalini Austin Metalsmith25 April 2013 at 09:36

      Thanks Kumi. I enjoyed making the focal too, a variation on the herringbone weave :-)

      Delete
  37. Bobbie27 April 2013 at 02:13

    What sparkly fun! The first necklace would look right at home in a gorgeous Bollywood spectacular. The clear beads in the second set brought the perfect touch of pop to highlight the colored beads -- who'd have guessed that would happen? I really like all your pieces.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Menka Gupta1 May 2013 at 01:35

    Love all your designs but the sparkling necklace is just amazing. Can't take my eyes off it.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Unknown3 May 2013 at 01:14

    Wow really gorgeous pieces! You did a fantastic job with your soup!

    ReplyDelete

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Thanks! Shalini

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