Long Overdue Fall Inspiration

Way, way back, a long time ago, I received my fall bead blogger challenge from Artbeads.com.  I was to select any type and style of beads in a color pallette that reminded me of fall.  The beads didn't have to be in a traditional fall color scheme.  They just had to remind me of fall.  Well, I selected my beads right away...  and that was the last thing I did right away.  I fell into the end-of-the-semester trap and became caught up in papers, research, teaching, writing finals, taking finals, and ran out of time for beading.  Then, I left school and had to look for a job... which became more than a full time job on its own.  When I finally found a job, I actually ended up with more jobs than I could handle.  So, I am just now showing off my fall piece.

I wanted to try something different than my usual style, but I still wanted to use seed beads because they are my favorite.  I also wanted to work with some of the fabulous pendants offered by Artbeads.com.  I ended up ordering seed beads in six different luscious fall colors.  I also ordered a copper leaf pendant and a gorgeous olive green porcelain pendant.  Initially I planned to attempt bead embroidery around the pendants to create a bib-style necklace.  However, that is not where my muse took me.  My muse decided that I was going to use some silver rings I already had and create some rings out of seed beads to create a custom chain. 

I decided to keep the piece simple and hang both pendants from the front of the chain.  I then used a claw clasp and created the closure in the front so I wouldn't disrupt the flow of the chain.  The piece is incredibly simple and comfortable, but it took a LONG time to make.  Each beaded ring took an hour or so to create (that's probably slower than it has to be, but I'm still new at creating them).

I really like the way the necklace turned out.  It is very simple, which suits me.  I've worn it a couple of times.  The first time, it was a bit stiff.  However, it was really comfortable in later wearings.  It loosened up and lays really well. 

I hope you enjoy the necklace and my interpretation of fall.  My knowledge of fall comes from my childhood in upstate NY where autumn was filled with crisp cool air, piles of scarlet, orange, yellow, and brown leaves as tall as I was, apple cider, and soccer.  To me, this necklace represents my childhood and my favorite time of the year!

FTC Disclosure: The items in this post were provided to me free of charge from Artbeads.com for review or design purposes as part of the Bead Blogger program. I am providing an honest review of the products for which I am receiving no compensation.