';
Powered by Blogger.

How I choose my embellishment elements -

I am a collector.  I collect specific items which I source and shop for.  I also collect items that I come upon by chance and feel I must have.  These particular items may not have an immediate intended use, they may be items I will gaze upon for years, but one day I know they will find their place.

I collect lampwork beads from some of the best glass artists, some well known, some just making these bits of art for themselves.  I may buy one or two, I may buy a collection.  Glass has such an intensity of color, it absorbs and disperses light so beautifully, I find it magical.  For the past few months I have crafted scissor/key FOBs which have been received so well by you, my friends.  How do I choose the components of these FOBs?  Let's work through a case study!

Recently I purchased 2 magnificent lampwork beads from an American artist.  I was immediately drawn to the intricate work on these beads and the unexpected color combinations.  I could see how they could work as great focal beads for a FOB.

Below you can see 2 angles of one of these beads and marvel at it's intricacy.
 


I like to add an element of fiber to my FOBs so I decided to make my own tassel.  I used a beautiful bead cap as the head of the tassel and topped it off with another pretty bead.  You can see the tassel below.

Next I chose two possible connectors that would add weight when connected to the scissor/key ring itself.

I picked another two lampwork beads which played off the colors in my focal bead and chose a lovely star scissor/key ring to tie everything together.  I like to use little bits of silver chain when connecting the single elements to the larger connectors so that each of the elements has a bit of movement, some swing to it, instead of staying stiff and awkward.  

Using silver jewelry pins and very careful wrapping techniques, I combine all the elements, adding a few additional beads along the way.



Below is the completed Scissor/Key FOB I made for the sister lampwork bead.  Here I made my own tassel, using a variety of colored silk thread, and used additional bead embellishments. I think the result is quite beautiful.  I hope you agree.

(If you like these twin FOBs, they can be found in my ETSY store HERE)





Post a Comment

About This Blog

©Orna Willis
All images, text, and content on this site are the sole property of Orna Willis and may not be used, copied or transmitted without the express consent of Orna Willis. Any other inquiries please email me at orna@ornadesign.com

Blog Archive