Lily at Twilight

“When twilight drops her curtain down and pins it with a star, remember that you have a friend though she may wander far." ~Lucy Maud Montgomery

Do you remember a few weeks ago when I shared all the goodies that came to me from Rings & Things? They have really been outdoing themselves lately...seems that every time I turn around there is another surprise waiting for me. I am a slow creator I would guess. I have great ideas every time I get one of these goodie bags in the mail, but my time escapes me.

I got the two baggies filled with assorted shell pearls and dark, almost vintage-y looking crystals, and I have to tell you that I was smitten. The colors are rich, and bold. The crystals were a deep purple and a mysterious blue both with a rich AB coating. They mixed so well with the various sizes of the pearls in soft cashmere gray, graphite and purple.

The size on the pearls was quite opulent as well. And I knew that I wanted to challenge myself to use the biggest ones in the bunch.

I recently ordered some stunning silk sari ribbon from DesignTalentedOne on Etsy. I see so many people using these fantasy ribbons in their work, and I wanted to give it a try. So I bought all the colors she had {didn't I tell you I have no filters?}. The sapphire color went quite well with the pearl mix so that was my palette.

Recently, I ordered some things from Ornamentea including antique brass ribbon ends. So that set the metal tone for my piece. And I used a little Vintaj toggle and hook for a clasp. But you know that I like to mix metals, and I am not a materials snob, so I also added in a vintage rhinestone button, silver plated bead caps and also the frame for the ribbon.

I am not a sewer. I am a glue-gunner. Or a duct-taper. But sewing I have little patience for. You have to squint too hard to get the thread through that tiny hole and then the thread always gets tangled. However, I wanted to achieve one of those soft flower looks that I see everywhere. How to do it?

Then I spied a little silver plated link on my bead table. Basically it is a large jump ring with wire wrapping it like a cage {can't believe I actually bought that. Next time I will make my own}. I proceeded to poke the ribbon through the holes making loose loops. I took a bit of bronze wire and attached the button to my ribbon flower, making a shank on the bottom for stringing.

As I started stringing, I realized there was something missing. That is when I remembered that back in December I bought a boat-load of Humblebeads {really, can you have too many of Heather's fine beads? In fact, another shipment of them just arrived...and I have just begun to use December's splurges!}. I dug around and unearthed this gorgeous Twilight Lily focal bead...and the design came together in a flash!

I like these pearls from Rings and Things. They have a heft to them that feels very real. I think that the mixes they sent are full of possibilities {and I see from some of my other blog partner friends that there are other colors than the blue-purple mixes that I got}.

I love the color of the ribbon and how it softens the repetitive pattern.
An art bead always saves the day, and Humblebeads are some of my very favorite.

{Lily at Twilight}

So, what about you? Is there a designing dilemma or nemesis that you are looking to rid yourself of?
{Hint: Mine is color.}
Do you always do the same thing?
Are you stuck in a rut?
Are you seeking some inspiration?
What would YOU do with these same materials?
Do tell!

{Secret giveaway alert! If you read this far ~ bravo! Now...tell me how you would use these materials. I will bundle up some of these same pearls, crystals and sari ribbon just for you and send them off...a random winner will be selected from all comments on this post through Monday, March 22nd}

Check It Out::Pearls of wisdom from a great blog It's All About Joy

Enjoy the day!

The pearl mixes used in the previous post, specifically referenced as from Rings and Things, were provided as promotional gifts by for review or design partnership purposes. All other materials referenced were purchased by the designer.