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September Component of the Month - Kristi Bowman-Gruel

Yep, gonna say it again...it's time for the AJE Component of the Month already!  The month of September's component was provided by Kristi Bowman-Gruel.  You can find her gorgeous copper and polymer creations here in her etsy store.  Since Linda was coming to Bead Fest again this year, she brought Kristi's components for many of us to choose, and I chose this one:

 The first thing that came to my mind was silk ribbon.  I checked on etsy and found Jamn Glass and purchased these exact silk ribbons. 
 Photo by Jamn Glass

Unfortunately, I haven't received the ribbons yet so I haven't been able to finish my CoM.  However, I thought I would do a work-in-progress post and you can at least see my process until the silks arrive.

The first idea I came up with is this one, and this is the one I am actually going with.  As you can see, I drew my design in a notebook that I received from Jenny Davies-Reazor - I love the notebook, and I love that she encouraged me to draw - I have been doing this with bead designs as well and it really helps!

 You can see I was going to use the silk ribbon, a lentil shaped bead of mine, two large-hole spacers and some knots. This is the bead I am going to use - I think it matches the colors of the silks well, but I will see when I actually get them if I am right!

When the silks didn't arrive, I decided to try and come up with some other ideas. This next idea was going to use wire wrapping, either in annealed steel or patinaed copper.  However, when I set out the beads I was going to use, I felt the colors were too dark and wouldn't bring out my focal. 

 These are the beads I was going to use; while they are awesome, I felt the beads needed to be brighter and I just don't have the right mix.
  My last design used a pendant that would hang from a bail on the silks.  I used annealed steel to make the pendant.  When I actally made it, I found that the pendant would not stay centered when wearing it, and it just wasn't pretty enough or did much for the focal.  I took it apart and decided to wait for the silks.
So, when I get finished, I'll be sure and post the final design.  In the meantime, please head over to Art Jewelry Elements to see what the team members and our guests made with Kristi's pretty pendants. 

Monthly Winners

AJE Team Members


Comments

I can't wait to see the finished piece!! Thanks for sharing your sketches and playing along this month!
Lesley said…
This has great potential to be stunning Sue - can't wait to see it finished.
Kari Asbury said…
I am excited to see your finished design. I think that silk will be gorgeous. I think it's great you posted about your process and other things you considered when your ribbon didn't arrive.
Caroline said…
I can't wait to see what how this turns out, I love everything you've chosen! The ribbon and component look like a match made in heaven!
jessememan said…
This is going to be gorgeous when it is done! The ammonite with the swirl in the pendant will be perfect. Can't wait!
Ann Schroeder said…
Those silks look great, and I love the sketch of your piece. I look forward to seeing it.
Jenny said…
Hurray for sketches and journals and doodles, oh my! I love all the things you have debated... The silk is lovely...and I'm glad you shared your process with us. Have fun creating!
Sarajo Wentling said…
I can't wait to see your finished piece! It's neat seeing the process other folks use to design too.
Anonymous said…
I look forward to seeing your finished design. It will be cool the way that your lampie will echo the spiral shape in Kristi's pendant. And that ribbon looks luscious. Hope it arrives soon!
Unknown said…
The silks will look awesome! I have to tell you I am very envious that you can draw up your designs like that!
Lori Anderson said…
I love seeing people's work process. Awesome!

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