17 September 2011

Inner Joy

"It is only with the heart that one can see clearly,
for the most essential things are invisible to the eye."
- Antoine de Saint Exupery


Welcome to the Bead Soup Blog Party!

Thank you to Lori Anderson for being such a great hostess. She does an amazing job. 

I was excited when I learned that I was paired up with Evie and Beth McCord. This mother-daughter duo is so wickedly talented. I just love that they seem to finish each other's creative thoughts. 

They sent me an array of goodies, from dyed silk ribbon (saving for another day), a sterling silver leaf toggle clasp, custom made lampwork glass beads and the most stunning enameled hummingbird pendant. 


I love the enamel work that Beth and Evie do. I love how intricately detailed they are. But they are also quite large -- I think that my hummingbird might be life sized! The colors are rich and shimmering just like the real bird. I was not sure what to do with him because of the size. But that is why this is a challenge. You need to stretch yourself in these sorts of things.

I decided to use the focal and clasp (that I darkened just a bit with Novacan Black Patina - love this stuff!) and two of the glass beads. I wanted to use some in earrings but I just ran out of time. I will likely add earrings later.

I didn't feel that I had anything that was suitable in my stash, so a trip to Michaels was in order. I picked up some sage green glass pearls in graduated sizes, cut glass in a lovely shade of peacock blue and a set of filigree pieces. I turned some colorized filigree beads into curly little flowers complete with curly little tendrils to add to the garden theme. 



The most challenging part was deciding how to connect the hummingbird to the flower. In the interest of time and the fact that I really don't want to call attention to how it is constructed, I opted for some simple gunmetal black jump rings. You can hardly tell that they are there and yet they give movement.

I call this "Inner Joy" in honor of our shimmering feathered friends that flit from flower to flower bringing an immense sense of beauty and love wherever they go.


A few facts about the hummingbird totem in Native American cultures (borrowed from www.birdclan.org)...

The hummingbird is the only creature that can stop dead while traveling at full speed; can hover; or can go forward, backward, up or down. Hummingbirds live on nectar and searches for the sweetness of life. It's purpose is to pollinate the flowers of the world. Its long "nose" lets it bypass the often tough and bitter outer layer to find the hidden treasures underneath. The song of hummingbird awakens the medicine flowers.

    Hummingbird's message is adaptability in life's many situations and being able to "roll with the punches".





Hummingbird is also inner joy. A hummingbird person takes great pleasure in spreading joy and love and beauty to all around you, and have the gift of taking that inner joy into new and different surroundings.


     If Hummingbird is your personal medicine, you love life and its joys. Your presence brings joy to others. You have a talent for finding the good in people, and are not put off by a gruff or abrupt exterior for you know that, if you can only get beyond that tough outside layer, you'll find goodness and beauty inside. You join people together in relationships which bring out the best in them.
     
       


You know instinctively where beauty abides and, near or far, you journey to that place. You move comfortably within a beautiful environment and help others taste the succulent nectar of life. Hummingbird disdains ugliness or harshness, and quickly flies away from discord or disharmony. Hummingbird is a fragile medicine, its target is Beauty and Hummingbirds mission is to spread joy or to be destroyed. Hummingbird quickly dies if caged, caught, or imprisoned.

You may have a gift for working with flowers, maybe growing them to share with others, or using flower essences for healing. Aroma therapy may be your calling.

Hummingbird shamans tend to be deliriously happy most of the time. They have high energy and a spirit that must be free. They talk fast and are always moving about, expending energy. Most people find them easy to get along with. To restrict that wonderful, free, loving energy is to suffer great depressions and feelings of uselessness. Hummingbird must fly free in search of beauty, spreading joy and love to all it touches. They don’t keep secrets, they are usually honest and outspoken, and they’re willing to try anything once.
 


Please go and visit my partners Beth & Evie McCord and then take your time to enjoy the outstanding Bead Soup Party! Thank you ladies for such an inspiring work of art!
GIVEAWAY ALERT! 

 
If you leave a comment on this post, any comment at all, AND you have your email turned on in your preference so that I have a way to contact you, I will share one of my new 'simple truth' pendants with you featuring a hummingbird! International friends welcome!

The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke

1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York
2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson
3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino
4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner
5. Amanda Cargill Austin and Charlene Sevier
6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins
7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor
8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen
9. Amy Freeland and Christine Altmiller
10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare


11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman
12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps
13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka
14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson
15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy
16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price
17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland
18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John
19. Anna Sabina­­­­ and Erin Siegel
19. Nan Emmett and Erin Siegel
20. Astrid Boyce and Birgitta Lejonklou


21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase
22. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb
23. Barbara Blaszczyk and DaviniaDesign
24. Barbara Judy and Holly Westfall
25. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll
26. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley
27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala
28. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman
29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz - YOU ARE HERE!
30. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle


31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen
32. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards
33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson
34. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier
 35.  Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander
 36. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye
37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock
38. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone
39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf
40. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi


41. Cherrie Fickand Cathie Carroll
41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick
42. Cheryl Roe and Jenny Vidberg
43. Chris White and Norma Turvey
44. Christa Murphy and Kathy Alderfer
45. Christie Murrow and Dana James
46. Christina Miles and Collette Collins
47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford
48. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis
49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering
50. Christine Stonefield and Dee Wingrove-Smith


51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes
52. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher
53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya
54. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk
55. Cristi Clothier and Kathleen Robinson Young
56. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent
57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj
58. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman
59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald
60. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick


61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner
62. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert
63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez
64. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris
65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith
66. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday
67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman
68. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore
69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones
70. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz


71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim
72. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable
73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag
74. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post
75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton
76. Heather Marley and Terry Carter
77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride
78. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller
79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley
80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson


81. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor
82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen
83. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman
84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy
85. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora
86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg
87. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann
88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay
89. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh
90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski


91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan
92. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean
93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis
94. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt
95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski
96. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio
97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts
98. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker
99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford
100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck


101. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto
102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark
103. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika
104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen
105. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec
106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson
107. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long
108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson
109. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney
110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson


111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger
112. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy
113. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw
114. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher
115. Lesley Weir and Liz DeLuca
116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser
117. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse
118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington
119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton
119.  Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter
120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson


121. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir
122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank
123. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks
124. Lupe Meter and Norma Agron
125. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe
126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon
127. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore
128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller
129. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke
130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson


131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum
132. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr
133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp
134. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara
135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James
136. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz
137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi
138. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman
139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper
140. Mary Hicks and Laurel Steven


141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner
142. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners
143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy
144. Missy Rappaport and Norma Agron
145. Molly Alexander and Poranna
146. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell
147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry
148. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson
149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna
150. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers


151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari
152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan
153. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag
154. Pat Haight and Mary McGraw
155. Patty Gasparino and Vonna Maslanka
156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe
157. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain
158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins
159. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub
160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya


161. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs
162. Rochelle Brisson and Sheryl Stephen
163. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell
164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams
165. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin
166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small
167. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner
 168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk
169. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley
170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley


171. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman
172. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin
173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor
174. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa
175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton
176. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin
177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones
178. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser
179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk
180. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager
181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad

 

143 comments:

horimarika said...

What a great necklace You made! I love that. And yes, the pinkies are so cute...

Becky said...

What a beautiful piece, I love that you were bold with it and added the flower making it bigger it makes a gorgeous statement piece :)

Klassy Joolz said...

Erin,

What a beautiful necklace and how perfect that Evie and Beth sent you a Hummingbird...It is so you...as your energy does spread beauty and joy!!!

Smiles, Pam

Shel said...

wow - this is so gorgeous!! Your design is just beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

I have those filigree pieces in my studio, but never would have thought to bend them to create that type of depth! Gorgeous..

m.e. said...

Gorgeous!!!
You made the large size of the pendant big plus.Most hummingbird theme creations are so small and dainty with just teeny charms,they don't really stand out.
This is a Fabulous Statement piece that really honors to beauty of these birds.Thank you for all the interesting humming bird information as well !
m.e. :)

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

Erin - a joyous expression of nature -truly amazing! Mom and I both had the same first impression - breathtaking. Your expertise in the mechanics of it all brought the hummingbird to life! Your attention to detail and selection of components is inspiring. Even though you said you were challenged, you triumphed in your interpretation. We are truly honored to be a part of your expression of "Inner Joy"!

Barbara Lewis said...

Really cool, Erin! I like the way you incorporated Beth and Evie's beautiful enamel pendant with some vintage style!

Jenni said...

Beautiful necklace..I always love to see how you work out design challenges Erin... (e.g.)of attachment and balance etc
You always come up with something innovative without loosing the detail and design. "Inner Joy" is indeed another example of that. What a beautiful focal.
Thanks for the Hummingbird information...I have never seen one in real life...and have only come across them through blogs and the beading community. They must be more popular in design than I realised.
jenni

Anonymous said...

Bigger is better and bold is beautiful. You made a fabulous creation. I love it.

Tracy said...

A bold statement piece, I just love your design. I saw a hummingbird for the first time when I was in the US last year and thought they were fasinating.

Tracy Statler said...

You never cease to amaze me Erin! Beautiful design. : )

KayzKreationz said...

That is absolutely gorgeous. I love the way you connected the hummingbird with the flower focal as if it was hovering, getting nectar. I love hummingbirds and would love a chance to get one of your hummingbird pendants. I'm in awe of your creativity with your soup.

Cindy Gimbrone said...

Lovely work, Erin! I love Beth and Evie's work!

Pearl and Pebble said...

Beautiful Erin!

Karen Beth said...

What an absolutely stunning piece!

Charlotte Donald Pevny said...

Everything IS Beauty-full, Erin!

T... said...

stunning piece, love how you've showcased the hummingbird

VS said...

What a beautiful soup you made my friend, your work is truly stunning!! Thanks for sharing & all I can say is yummmmmy!!!

Unknown said...

Erin, so gorgeous!!

Unknown said...

An exquisite piece.

Ann said...

Great necklace and great job! Love the focal hummingbird.

Ann
http://mycriticaleye.com
annrishell@gmail.com

Erin S said...

nice job putting together the focal components for a beautifully complex layered piece.

I LOVE color! said...

I love, love your post on hummingbirds. Your creation is just too lovely. Be
blessed to be a blessing
loolatthecolors@sbcglobal.net

Kristy's Kreations Jewelry said...

Gorgeous Erin! Absolutely gorgeous!

Lesley said...

Erin that necklace is just amazing - perfectly constructed to make it detailed but look effortless and great matching of components. Glorious!

Islandgirl said...

Interesting necklace.. love all the facts about the hummingbird in your blog!

Christine Altmiller said...

we are obsessed with hummingbirds here at my house. whenever we travel, my husband either brings or makes a feeder and hangs it where we are staying. so of course your gorgeous necklace really grabbed me---what beautiful colors and details! a very bold but wearable piece of art! lovely lovely lovely, erin!

Alice said...

Oh Erin, I knew you would make something beautiful and you did not disappoint!

I love how you connected the hummingbird and the flower. They were meant to be together.

Karyn B said...

Oh, how gorgeous! And rich with meaning. Amazing work, as always.

Brittany Kuhlman, COC, CPC, CCC said...

I so adore your necklace! Truly a beautiful design. The delicate hummingbird next to the flower is just too cute. Definitely pulls at my heartstrings. Hummingbirds always remind me of my great grandmother. ♥

Cillaw said...

Erin! You are great! Beautiful how you added flowers to the bird. Your sweet hummingbird charms are great too!
Cilla
www.tellyourgirlfriends.com

EmandaJ said...

Beautiful and narrative piece. Your work always inspires me! We’re all being pushed outside our comfort zones — with amazing results!

Enjoy the hop,
Emanda

http://artemisiastudio.blogspot.com/2011/09/bead-soup-reveal.html
artymezia(at)yahoo.com

Holly said...

Erin.
Oh.
My.
Goodness.
This has to be my favorite necklace of the hop so far!! It's just incredible. I love how you paired the flower up with the hummingbird, it's gorgeous!

stephanie_mcginley said...

Your necklace design is beautiful!!!


stephanie_mcginley@hotmail.com

Elizabeth said...

Well you certainly did the beautiful hummingbird pendant justice!!! Amazing and wonderful !!! I love it!!

Unknown said...

beautiful piece, you made the challange look effortless, I really like how you used the filagree

Rebecca said...

Wow, what a beautiful and unusual piece of jewellery you have created Erin! I love the trick you have of layering metal, especially filigree. What I love about bead soup is the way that in the best instances the 'blind date' selection of beads allows the beader to take the new beads and their own style, and put the two together to create something that goes beyond either of those things. I'm not sure I managed that this time around but you certainly have! You are 3 inspiring ladies for sure. And a bicycle charm! Count me in for that giveaway :-) Still waiting pay - as soon as it arrives, I am back on sampler board. I can't wait!

Ann said...

The way you positioned the hummingbird and flower is really cool. this is a fantastic piece.

Anonymous said...

Wow, love your necklace and the pendant is super gorgeous! Have a great day!

pam ferrari said...

Wow! Gorgeous Design!

Unknown said...

I am literally wiping tears as I am writing this comment. Erin darlin you have totally and completely rocked these ingredients as no other could have! I see so much of your heart and creativity in this necklace and you have so inspired me to take my bluebird (one of Beth and Evie's creations) in a whole new direction. Thank you so much for this post and your participation in this Soup! I am so lucky to know both of you!

Do Be Do Bead Do said...

Stunning!!!

In the Light of the Moon said...

Sooooo beautiful!! Every piece compliments the next..stunning!!Hugs,Cat

Sweet Willow Designs said...

I was inspired by how you manipulated the filigree..and the colors.

Diana P. said...

Beautiful work!

Susanm said...

I really like your backstory for your necklace. love the hummingbird charm.

Susanm said...

I really like the backstory for your necklace. Love the hummingbird charm. (Sorry for duplicate posts - the first time I signed in, the "email me" box didn't appear.)

T-Rose Leigh said...

Lovely and inspirational thank you for sharing

Cindy Cima said...

Too Cool!! I love it Erin!

stacilouise said...

Let me tell you, that is one stunning necklace. You absolutely did justice to that wonderful focal! Love it!

rosebud101 said...

Erin, it's a lovely piece!

Lupe Meter said...

Beautiful creation! You did an awesome job! Love it!

Loris Glassworks said...

Wonderful! You have created a terrific piece of wearable art. I like your use of color and texture. Thank you for sharing your artistic process with us. Cheers!
Lori

Maggie said...

Beautiful! That focal is amazing and you worked with it perfectly.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful as always! This necklace is stunning. I love big, bold statement pieces.

Shay Stone said...

Lovely piece you've created!

Angel Whisperer said...

You make unusual beautiful and amazing jewelry and this is a hit! Love the colors and inventive combinations <3

la mar de bonita said...

Oh. I love what you've choiced! Such a wonderful bouquet of greens with a touch of purple! A truely beautiful necklace, I love the way the humingbird touches the flower!
Greetings, Michi

Shyme said...

A truly beautiful necklace! I love what you did with the colored filligre turning them into curly flowers!

steufel said...

Oh Erin, my friend. Once again you worked ypur magic and I'm sitting here admiring your talent, that leaves me speechless and in awe! You are the best!

coffeeaddict said...

Stunning, it's a tropical forest :-)

hello gorgeous said...

A..MAY...ZING!!!!

I love what you have created and the colours are TRULY delicious!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Palimpa Lim said...

So far, this is my favorite bead soup piece this time around! You did an awsome job on the "little" hummingbird!!! Love how you combined him with the large flower, so it looks as if he was drinking right now. Amazing!!!

Lori Bowring Michaud said...

Stunning necklace, Erin. I don't have any other words.

JenniferJangles said...

Wow, Erin....I don't even know what else to say,it's amazing.

Maneki said...

Beautiful necklace! I really like how you've "puzzled together" a focal with the filigrees/(flowers and the pretty hummingbird. And I also like how you worked with the filigree beads. Good placement of the clasp too, making it part of the floral focal. Visible but blending into the whole.

Marcie Abney Carroll said...

Dang girl! That's gorgeoumous! I really do like your interesting use of Filigree, it sets off the whole design. Beautiful piece!

Christine said...

I just love how you can take pretty much anything and turn it into something beyond beautiful, Erin! This piece is really stunning, and I always love your thought process. Beautiful!

Nicki said...

Wow Erin, another beautiful piece. What a great idea to attach the hummingbird and the flower. Really cool.

Erin Siegel said...

Inspiring necklace! I really enjoyed reading the story you shared of the hummingbird. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

yowza! What a stunning piece. I am not sure what I would have done with such a large humming bird. You did an awesome job of pulling it off. Truely a piece of Art.
Alice's Beads and Baubles

Therese's Treasures said...

Erin, I love your creation it is so very beautiful!
Therese

Geanina said...

What a beautiful and funky necklace! Very shimmery indeed! I liked reading the facts on hummingbirds as well !
Geanina.

Lyn Foley said...

Georgeous as usual (I don't think I have ever seen anything you made that wasn't wonderful.) You intergrated the hummingbird beautifully.

Courtney Breul said...

*big sigh* Like I said to Beth and Eve, your ingredients totally rock! I love your piece. You showcased the hummingbird perfectly. The colors and flow, perfect.

Shirley said...

Ok, so what can I possibly say that everyone else hasn't already? That you rock? That your design concepts are just awesome? That I want to come live in your pocket for a while? That I want you to do another post on how you made that little filigree flower with the twisty tips? Yep, all that and more. I'm so glad to be a follower of yours, to learn from you, and I truly hope to get to meet in person one day soon!

Unknown said...

So uniquely beautiful.

Lori Anderson said...

Simply amazing. That layered flower juxtaposed next to the hummingbird is sublime. Lovely idea! You should really wear this, even though I know you say you don't do large pieces -- I really think you could carry off a statement piece!


I hope you'll join me next time! The badge and dates will be posted tomorrow, the 19th!

Love, Lori

Christine said...

Absolutely gorgeous! Your work is always so beautiful!!

Chris Hansen said...

Erin - this is an incredible piece! I love how you balanced Beth & Evie's awesome hummingbird focal with your filigree flower - clever AND beautiful! Gorgeous work, Girl!

Shai Williams said...

Oh my goodness Erin, your garden is blooming forth. Such a lush necklace worthy of a gallery.

Lisa said...

Simply gorgeous! I couldn't wait to hop to your blog. I knew it would be beautiful. You are so creative and inspiring to me. Have a great week!

Marie Cramp said...

What you made is outstanding and absolutely stunning! I would wear it proudly!! {speaking of wearing, I brought my copper necklace with me on holidays and wore it}

Karin Slaton said...

Inner joy, indeed! I just keep looking and looking at all the detail in your focal. Amazing work!

Elemental Mercury said...

This piece is full of "WOW!!" just awesome.

Laura Twiford said...

For being stumped by the hummingbird you did an amazing job pulling it all together. It's gorgeous Erin! Love how you connected it to the flower and created flowers and tendrils and the colors, just beautiful! Great soup!

Michael and Cherrie Fick said...

You have such a way with words and the way you romanticize your design. You seem to take any interesting piece and turn it into poetry. You are a very inspiring lady.

Cindy said...

Erin, I am sooo amazed at your gorgeous design. I can't even begin to figure out how you attached all of the beautiful layers, but the end result is stunning! This I love how the focal is the star of the show, with the strands playing a more understated role - each component working in harmony. I could have never dreamed up such a beautiful design!
I hope you're having a wonderful time at Heather's retreat, btw!!

Mary Harding said...

Beautiful, rich, exotic. Love the greens with the purple. And thanks for all the great info about the Hummingbird.

Anonymous said...

Amazing necklace Erin, I feel it really has a story!

Kathy ~ Artful Accents said...

This is a beautiful creation and a perfect ode to the hummingbird!

Claire Maunsell said...

Oh Erin, you are always making amazing things! This is no exception!

Marianna said...

what a beautiful statement piece! That's gorgeous!

Kate said...

Wow, Erin...FABULOUS! Totally in love with the layered flower you made. You showcased Beth and Evie's work to perfection. Way to go!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous, Erin!! The hummingbird is gorgeous and the filigree beads that you curled are fantastic! Beautiful!

Isn't it funny how we have all these beads and never have the right ones for the project we are working on! :) I'm always running out to buy something!

Andrea said...

Fabulous necklace. Pick me pick me. My email is andreatrank@yahoo.com

KristiBowmanDesign said...

Stunning pieces, just as I would expect from you and from your ingredients from Beth and Evie!!

Torque Story said...

I love that layered filigree flower-just gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!

Wendy said...

So pretty!

Beetique said...

Great necklace. Loved the hummingbird.

LoriF said...

Omigosh, definitely in my top 5 for this round of Bead Soup! And I would LOVE a chance at that hummer pendant...thanks for the opportunity!

LeeLu Creations said...

Such a beautiful piece. You are very creative.

Kim Stevens said...

Absolutely beautiful Erin - love everything about it!!

Sandra said...

Wow, what a stunning creation, I absolutely adore what you came up with. I love enamel and I love hummingbirds too, but I think I would have been stumped by the sheer size of the focal.

Beadaholique said...

Erin, this is really one of the loveliest pieces on the blog hop so far. Kudos to you!

Carlene said...

That necklace turned out so amazing :) I am definately checking out Beth and Evie. That a wonderful focal!

Skye said...

Oh that turned out absolutely gorgeous! The flower looks like it was meant to be with that bird from conception ;)

swopemelmel said...

As always awesome as well as inspiring. Great work of art. swopemelmel@aol.com

beautifullybrokenme said...

As always, you amaze and inspire me! Your necklace is stunning - I just love the layers of filigree surrounding the hummingbird focal. Beautiful! :)

Rising Designs said...

Erin, when I saw your name I just had to check out your creation. you always amaze me with your work. And this time again, you did not disappoint.Absolutely beautiful!
Thank you for the surprise!!

Bobbie said...

I love that you gave the hummingbird a beautiful flower garden to flit through. So pretty!

The Dixon Chick said...

Your necklace literally took my breathe away - I gasped at how beautiful it is. I love how you made the flower components from the filigree and patina'd them. I agree with your decision to attach the hummingbird with gunmetal jump rings. It's not fussy and blends like in allowing the hummingbird to take flight among your garden of filigree! KUDOS!!!!

Serena Trent said...

I like the alochol inks and the design...wonderful!

Thoughtfulhands said...

That hummingbird is wonderful...
You tied your piece together just beautifully.

Stacey said...

Beautiful work Erin! What a fun focal that hummingbird is..love the whole garden scene at the focal!

SueBeads said...

Wow, Erin, another stunning piece! I love your banner, too!

Sweet Freedom said...

Lovely design, and perfect colors!

Jo said...

That is stunning! I was wondering how you would use such a large focal, but you have done it proud - a beautiful necklace.

Myléne Hillam said...

What a beautiful scene from nature... how very clever to have the hummingbird visit the flower. Great piece!

Snazzy Doodle Designs said...

Wow! This is an amazing piece. Love how you used the focal, really nice colors

Jenny said...

Lovely as always, Erin - glad you included the symbolism of the hummingbird. I work with symbols all the time, and love when others help share the deeper meanings behind our 'everyday' items...

indigo heart said...

i love your necklace! thank you for sharing the story of hummingbird medicine. one of my totems/medicines is the snowy owl. you can read part of my story at cassie donlen's blog. i was her partner in the bead soup blog party. so much fun, this party!

one-eared pig said...

As always, so stunning and *perfect*! Love it!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful necklace. I adore the hummingbird!

Elysian Studios said...

Lovely, Erin! That hummingbird is just amazing! Wonderful job!

Pat Haight said...

The necklace is gorgeous! Putting that gorgeous hummingbird with the flower is such an awesome idea!
Just beautiful☺

TrudiC said...

Beautiful bead soup necklace. I also really like your polymer clay charms. Your colors are great.

Off the Beadin' Path said...

Whew! Long list of comments and still growing! It will take weeks and weeks to see all that creativity! I'm amazed at the way you attached that hummingbird to the flower, just as you said you would! you really outdid yourself! I think you have just enough interest around it, too, very balanced! Nice, nice, nice!

Aquariart said...

Erin, you created an outstandingly beautiful piece with Beth and Evie's hummingbird. I love the dimension and colors in the flower and the rest of the necklace. One gorgeous creation in all my favorite colors and I think my totem is the hummingbird so you really should give it to me!! LOL!! just kidding. Love your soup- Deeelicious!

Anonymous said...

What a rich looking necklace!! Fabulous techniques, and perfect blending of colors.

Chrissy said...

Great piece, love humming birds too.. Love how you put your inspiration into the piece..

graygirlstudios said...

that is so ornate and beautiful! I am impressed; it's so sparkly too!

rockcreekcreations said...

WOW!! That is a wonderful piece. I love their enamel pieces and you have marvelously added to it!!

SoulsFireDesigns said...

Way to go making something so large, and out of your comfort zone, look so incredibly elegant. It is a true statement piece, one that is incredibly lovely!! I truly love this piece, I love the filigree flowers... the way you used the patina... everything! Gorgeous!

Cristina Norcross said...

Dear Erin!
Oh, I LOVE your "Every Thing is Beauty Full" hummingbird pendant. I love the message, and I love the purple color (my favorite color!). I think what is wonderful about these message pendants is that when you wear one (I love my "Soar to New heights that I wear all the time!), you feel connected to a higher spirit and a joyful heart. Peace, Cristina (Bookndz@yahoo.com)

CraftyHope said...

Erin,
I'm so sorry it's taken so very long to get to your Bead Soup post, I've been hopping all over the place and this list seems to be taking me forever.
You've really made something beautiful here. I would have never imagined using that humming bird pendant in the way you did with the colors you did. It's really beautiful! I would have expected nothing less, but you really did surprised me with this. Thank you!

My Life Under the Bus said...

I am just catching up up now! Beautiful colors and gorgeous necklace - A lovely job Erin!

KPMDragonflyBeads said...

Beautiful colors and composition. I love the hummingbird info as well. I really loved your designs in the latest Creative Jewelry issue. Kathy

Unknown said...

What beautiful necklace! I love hummingbirds, they remind me of my great-grandparents house!

Terri said...

Wow! What a Gorgeous piece of jewelry. You are so talented. Soup-er job!

Anonymous said...

I was really curious to see how you had used that hummingbird. I was sure you were going to make a great piece out of it (you always do great pieces) and I wasn't wrong. That installation you made (yes, it is a piece of art) is delicate and beautiful. I really like it.

Ambra

Beadbug said...

Ohhh, love it.

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