...or what happens when a good idea doesn't work out...
It's time for the January Art Jewelry Elements component challenge! This month we decided (since many of us had new years resolutions to make things we've been putting off for ages) that we would focus on using the stash of art beads we've all accumulated. Deciding what I wanted to work on this month was easy! Months ago I asked my friend Sue of SueBeads to hook me up with a few of her little robin's egg beads. I had this awesome idea to make a beaded nest, nestled in a beaded tree as a necklace.
Just look at these little gorgeous eggs! I was so excited when they arrived (in a package full of other goodies...thanks again Sue!). I have been thinking since then exactly how to make the nest...but the rest of the necklace eluded me. I thought that maybe inspiration would hit while I was working...
As you can see, the piece is not finished. I was really happy with the nest...before I started any of the other beadwork.
Part of my problem is that there's not enough contrast in all the browns...you can't see the nest as a separate element from the rest of the "tree". I had been struggling with stitching the tree out of seed beads when I decided wood beads might give me a change in texture. Well, they did that...but it's still a big lump of brown...
I'm so disappointed! Partially because I don't have a completed piece to show you, but also because I'm just not happy with the direction that it's taking. So what do I do when this happens? In this case...I think I'm going to strip off all the beadwork so that I have just the nest and eggs left. Then ... think some more. Perhaps a leather tree? Perhaps no tree at all, but rather leaves and flowers? Perhaps the nest should not be in the middle...but more on one side? I don't know yet, but it's definitely something I'm thinking about.
I know I'm not the only one with design struggles like this. Sometimes the original idea just doesn't come together like it is in your head. Sometimes you can't figure out how to execute what's in your head. Sometimes what's in your head just doesn't look good in real life. On this necklace I think it's a bit of a combination of all three problems. What do you do when you hit stumbling blocks like this?
Don't forget to check out the rest of the blog hop! Everyone has really been pushing themselves to try new things and use their favorite components out of their stash this month. You can follow the links below, or hop on over to the Art Jewelry Elements blog and follow from there. I might not be the only latecomer, so don't forget to check back!
PS, don't miss my post tomorrow over on the AJE blog, and we are also posting the reveal for the Beading Back in Time blog hop challenge tomorrow. Lots going on! Hope to see you then!
AJE team:Lindsay Starr (you are here!)Guest Participants ( aka winners)Lee - Strega JewellryShai - Shai’s RamblingsSamantha- Wescott JewelryKathy - Bay Moon DesignsNikki - Silver Nik natsYvette - Blue Kiln BeadsKarin - Ginko et CoquelicotBonus participants!Christine walker
Hi Lindsay, My suggestion is put it aside and work on something else. Keep it in the back of your mind and an idea will come to you. We all get stuck sometimes. I do agree that there is too much brown. I do like the squiggle going up to the leather though.
ReplyDeleteI love where this idea is going and look forward to how you re-work it. I have to admit when this happens to me, I too often just abandon the project. It's always fun and inspiring for me to read about people who actually overcome the obstacle to make something beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame you've done so much work and aren't happy with it, I love it though, I think it looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! I would love to see this piece finished, those eggs look so cute nestled in their cosy home.
ReplyDeleteThose beads are lovely! I can't wait to see the finished design.
ReplyDeleteYour bird nest is stunning! I thought I had seen "everything" a person could do with a bird nest, but you have taken it to the next level. Bravo.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately this kind of thing happens to all of us. I hate ripping out work and starting over!!! :( But I think your idea of saving the nest and then dangling leaves and flowers from it has a lot of potential. Maybe even add a little birdie. I'll look forward to seeing where you go with this.
ReplyDeleteMaybe lighter colored wood beads? Or like a translucent amber-y something? I personally like the design but I agree with the colors mushing together. Otherwise I really like it.
ReplyDeleteI like the nest design - be sure to share the finished version!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful idea and the wooden beads work well with it. In nature, all nests are camouflaged to keep the birds and eggs safe, so all the brown would be expected. To highlight the nest, try some "moss" around the edges. Good luck with project. I have a drawer of unfinished, waiting-for-me projects that I was disappointed with and have ignored for quite sometime. Maybe it's time to reclaim all those beads. ;)
ReplyDeleteI love the nest and the tree structure. I think the form of the nest reads distinctly from the tree, but my first thought was olive green. Hints of other tree-ness, without totally skewing the earthy palette. After you leave it alone for a while... see it fresh. You may still want to take out the tree, but I DO like the structure and composition.
ReplyDeleteI like this direction, but maybe if you tucked some foliage in between it would give you the change you're looking for? I do love the change in texture though. The wood beads are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be gorgeous Lindsay - I'm with both Jen's on the Green/foliage idea to change it up a little...good luck.
ReplyDelete