Friday, March 20, 2009

Latest Design Challenge


A friend from college asked me to create a necklace for her mom with beads that her mom had already purchased. They just wanted me to design the piece using only the beads they purchased and then string it. She brought me a bag filled with chocolate brown and white jasper. There were three different styles of beads: round, flat asymmetrical, and larger faceted chunks.

This was a fun project for me as it's not what I would normally create. Again, sometimes we get into a rut of designing the same/similar styles, or things that ~we~ like because that's what we know! And there is nothing wrong with that. But I love when I get a design challenge as it gives me the opportunity to grow as an artist and try something new.

The best part is when I was finished, I was told that the necklace was exactly what she had in mind. Mission accomplished!

9 comments:

Pretty Things said...

These kind of projects can be such a creative challenge because we're told what to use (like being told what to read for the book report) -- I agree, it's a good way to break yourself of habits or get out of a rut!

Rustic Path Gardens said...

What a great necklace. Great way to break out of a rut. I should do that more often....

Anonymous said...

Yes, it is a different "look" than the other designs of yours that I've seen, but it is a wonderful piece! With all the movement in the colors in the beads, the shapes were quite enough to create drama! I think I might have "spoiled" that simplicity by trying to add in other beads that would have detracted from these beads! Great job, Kim, as always! Teri
http://www.sandtcreations.com/wordpress

Nadege said...

gorgeous! texture and chunkiness.

ChezChani said...

NIce work! Those beads are very interesting and I imagine, quite challenging.

the dafthermits (Mel n andy and wee clan) said...

just popped by to say thanks or following my wee blog

realy enjoyed your beautiful blog

KimberlyRies said...

Thanks for the feedback everyone! Isn't it great to break out of the design rut we find ourselves in?

Rareimage Photography said...

Very beautiful and a great piece of art!!!

MinisOnTheEdge said...

Your Items are Just Beautiful! I LOVE your Blog! I just posted an Award for you on my blog! Please stop by and pick it up! ~ Tracy