{"id":4767,"date":"2010-11-28T17:19:05","date_gmt":"2010-11-28T21:19:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sweetbeadstudio.com\/?p=4767"},"modified":"2010-11-29T12:02:09","modified_gmt":"2010-11-29T16:02:09","slug":"around-the-world-a-necklace-round-robin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.sweetbeadstudio.com\/?p=4767","title":{"rendered":"Around the World: A Necklace Round Robin"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Opening<\/a>\u00a0<\/div>\n

Hello<\/p>\n

I am so happy that you stopped by!\u00a0 \u00a0This is a\u00a0LONG\u00a0post, so please get comfy with a cup of coffee or cocoa.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I have so<\/strong> much to share with you today: talk about blogs, jewelry<\/em>,\u00a0FRIENDS,a publication\u00a0and give aways<\/span>!\u00a0\u00a0{And you just might want to read to the end.}\u00a0\u00a0 I have been waiting for so long<\/em> to share these details with you; \u00a0events that have taken place well over a year ago to the present.\u00a0 Today is the day I’m finally<\/em> going to tell you all<\/span> about one of the most significant experiences I’ve had since I started making jewelry….<\/p>\n

\"round-robin-sisters\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In early Fall 2009, I was crazy about making jewelry and visiting a bunch of my favorite blogs (as I am\u00a0today).\u00a0 There were several of us that were\u00a0getting \u00a0to know one another after “meeting” on our blogs.\u00a0 Leaving comments on\u00a0each other’s\u00a0blogs soon led to personal emails and friendships started to develop.\u00a0 Soon\u00a0an idea developed, one\u00a0that could\u00a0be an outward sign, an\u00a0extension<\/em>\u00a0of our\u00a0friendship.\u00a0 Following suit of the then-recent book, “A Charming Exchange<\/em>“, we decided to jump in and start a collaborative project, a Round Robin<\/strong><\/em>.\u00a0 You’ve heard of quilting bees from years ago, well this would be a modern day bee – spanning the U.S. to Europe.\u00a0 Our Round Robin group included these amazing jewelry designers, ladies who have become my good friends:\u00a0 Sharon (USA) of Livewire Jewelry<\/a>, Veronique (France) of\u00a0Narrative Jewelry <\/a>, Renate\u00a0 (Germany) of Put a Little Magic in Your Life<\/a>,andEsther (France) of Mes illusions Baroques<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Inside<\/a><\/p>\n

After some discussion, we decided on a fantastic way to carry out our collaboration.\u00a0\u00a0Each of us would start\u00a0 ONE \u00a0necklace so that in the end, each participant would have their own keepsake – all touched by the hands of their faraway friends.\u00a0 We each decided upon a theme or color scheme for our necklaces, and shared the details in an art journal.\u00a0 Yes, before long it was decided that a journal<\/span> should accompany each necklace to help tell the story of how our necklaces came to be….\u00a0 A journal <\/em>?!\u00a0 I’ll admit this did cause a bit of panic for me.\u00a0 I was in the company, afterall, of some incredible mixed media artists.\u00a0 I had only used gesso once or twice – really.\u00a0 So I spent many a night researching and reading through my favorite Stampington magazines, and got to work.\u00a0\u00a0 The above picture is taken from the first page in my journal.\u00a0 Making the journal started as a challenge for me, but was so much fun!\u00a0 I could see keeping the paints, gel medium, and stamps and inks out permanently.\u00a0 If only I had more time.\u00a0 Opening the journals and seeing the pages made by my friends before me was like opening a present each time.\u00a0\u00a0 I’ll show you a few in just a bit.<\/p>\n

\"Round<\/a><\/p>\n

Here is how it went down:\u00a0\u00a0 We each started a section of our own necklace.\u00a0 We knew that in the end, it would be a long necklace with no set “front”, so any side could be featured.\u00a0 We then sent our necklace sections in a jewelry pouch, along with the journal, to the next Round Robin sister.\u00a0 I sent my piece to Sharon, then it went to Veronique, Renate, Esther, and then finally back to me.\u00a0 Our necklaces traveled through the holidays and passed through our hands while so much was going on in our lives.\u00a0 There were birthdays, house moves, good times and trying times.\u00a0 We were flexible and tried to time our packages around the same time.\u00a0 Some of us worked with lightning speed, others needed more time because life so frequently took center stage.\u00a0 The packages were\u00a0often filled with goodies and special surprises.\u00a0 I know each time a package came from Esther, an incredible piece of her art would be found inside.\u00a0 The anticipation was great….how would each piece transform as it traveled on its way?\u00a0 And guess what?\u00a0 There was no peeking!\u00a0 We considered blogging about the project, but decided to keep it one BIG secret so that we were each surprised when the Round Robin finally landed home.\u00a0 The project ended in late Spring of this year, and I think we were each a bit sad to see it finally come to an end.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For my necklace, I chose a “Sentimental Journey”<\/strong><\/em> theme.\u00a0\u00a0 I love old, and worn sentimental keepsakes.\u00a0\u00a0A necklace full of treasures from the past, or\u00a0components that represent special occasions\u00a0was just the look I\u00a0was hoping for.\u00a0\u00a0Using pale and muted tones, and tarnished metals, I invited my friends to take a sentimental journey with me.\u00a0 My favorite component is the Madonna and child pillow bead.\u00a0 This was my first time trying a photo transfer. The pillow was stuffed with felt from my son’s First Communion banner.\u00a0 I remember Esther scanning a handwritten sketch and emailing it to me, explaining the ways of pillow bead construction.\u00a0 We all learned from each other along the way.<\/p>\n

\"round-robin_pillow-bead\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Sentimental<\/a><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The Sentimental Journey ready to take flight<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0After many months, my necklace returned.\u00a0 I remember it was the kids last day of school and I brought the box with me in the packed car.\u00a0 We were leaving for the beach and the mailman had just dropped off the special delivery.\u00a0 I’ll always remember that feeling of awe and excitement when I opened the box and saw my finished necklace for the first time!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0At long last \u00a0I present\u00a0 to you (and thank you for being so patient), the journal pages and necklace sections made by\u00a0my dear\u00a0Round Robin sisters.\u00a0 Sharon was the first to receive my necklace, back in October of 2009.\u00a0 Sharon added elements that she knew were my favorites – a beautiful neutral-colored Czech glass bead framed in an ornate link.\u00a0 She added a vintage clasp that reminded her of our friendship.\u00a0 She added her favorite element, a pearl, stating that it was a “lovely natural beauty”.\u00a0 A dangling amber looking glass was added to watch over me.\u00a0 Her words were handwritten on incredibly rich and\u00a0layered journal pages (I have long admired Sharon’s work with stamps and paint).\u00a0 A detailed crucifix and AB finish crystal prism were added to my journal with a sari silk ribbon.<\/p>\n

\"Sentimental<\/a>

Sentimental Journey section by Sharon<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Sharon's<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Sharon's<\/a><\/p>\n

My necklace\u00a0 traveled all the way to France next!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Veronique created\u00a0 journal pages full of pretty things that begged to be touched – flowers, old mother of pearl buttons, and lace.\u00a0\u00a0 Vero added several sentimental components to my necklace:\u00a0 a vintage filigree link that belonged to her brother’s Mother-in-Law, a souvenir button from Paris, and link made from 5 faceted stones – one to represent each of\u00a0 us.<\/p>\n

\"Necklace<\/a>

Necklace section by Vero<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Vero's<\/a>

Vero's journal pages<\/p><\/div>\n

The Round Robin package was in flight again, this time to Germany.\u00a0 Oh how I loved reading Renate’s journal narrative describing her additions to the Sentimental Journey necklace.\u00a0 If you follow her blog, you’ll know Renate frequents the flea market every Sunday.\u00a0 When she found a rhinestone buckle, she knew it would just “the thing”, and added her signature resin.\u00a0 She wrote that her muse was “strangely silent after that.\u00a0 It was only after I decided to use the vintage resin rose that everything came together.”\u00a0 Five moonstone rondelles were added and finished with a vintage mother of pearl button.\u00a0 Renate created a clever section that could be worn alone as a bracelet, or added to the long necklace.\u00a0 Renate kept us on track throughout the journey, always providing gentle encouragement and words of support.<\/p>\n

\"Renate's<\/a>

Renate's necklace section, can be worn alone as a bracelet<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Renate's<\/a>

Renate's journal pages<\/p><\/div>\n

My necklace flew once again to France, in to Esther’s talented hands.\u00a0 Esther is a master with paint and collage, and was recently an instructor at a large workshop near Paris.\u00a0 I was in awe when I poured over the many pages she created in my journal.\u00a0 Her work could easily grace the pages of any Stampington publication.\u00a0 Esther added wonderful sentimental pieces to the necklace:\u00a0 a pearl and wire-wrapped pillow bead featuring her favorite Cleo de Merode, sparkly Swarovski crystals, and the best touch of all – a beaded link wrapped in vintage fabric from a wedding dress.<\/p>\n

\"Sentimental<\/a>

Sentimental Journey section by Esther<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Esther's<\/a>

Esther's journal pages<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Additional<\/a>

Additional journal pages by Esther<\/p><\/div>\n

I’m sending a Merci Beaucoup<\/span> to my Round Robin sisters (Bisous and Romizous!<\/em>).\u00a0 Here in its final glory, my prized Round Robin necklace\u00a0 – a true treasure made by friends…….\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Sentimental<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Thank you for making it this far.\u00a0 This will be the longest blog post you’ll ever see on this blog.\u00a0 You know me, I am normally short and sweet, but how could I possibly condense something that spanned countries, time and friendship?\u00a0 I had a hard time editing out pictures as it was.\u00a0 As a little thank you to YOU, I am offering a special little\u00a0give away<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 I’ve put together a sweet selection for the winner – maybe you can start down the path of your own sentimental journey.\u00a0 You’ll find a chubby baby girl with a curl, vintage mother of pearl\u00a0 beads and buttons (the butterflies are new but fit the vignette nicely),\u00a0 a chandelier crystal, and other worn and loved notions.<\/p>\n

Please simply leave a comment to be entered in the give away.\u00a0 A winner will be announced this Thursday.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Sentimental<\/a>

Sentimental Journey Give Away<\/p><\/div>\n

We have a special announcement, and couldn’t be more thrilled.\u00a0 You’ll find a full article\u00a0about the Around the World Necklace Round Robin<\/span> in the brand new Winter 2011 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry<\/a><\/em>, available now.\u00a0 We thank Christen Olivarez for this opportunity to share our story.\u00a0 I think you’re going to love this issue….many talented friends are featured in this gorgeous issue!<\/p>\n

\"Belle<\/a><\/p>\n

The Round Robin sisters have special blog posts planned for you all week.\u00a0 Visit the remaining sister’s blogs over the next several days for more personal stories, pictures, and surprises!\u00a0\u00a0 Next up, please visit Sharon’s blog <\/a>(Livewire Jewelry)\u00a0on Monday.\u00a0 On Tuesday, please be sure to stop by Renate’s blog <\/a>(Put a Little Magic in Your Life), and Wednesday, please visit Esther’s blog <\/a>(Mes illusions Baroques). Before I go, here’s a sneak peak – of a page\u00a0in Sharon’s journal…..<\/p>\n

\"round-robin_sharons-journa\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Thank you for your visit and sticking with me til the end!\u00a0 Anyone inspired to start their own Round Robin? \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

\"siggie9\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0 Hello I am so happy that you stopped by!\u00a0 \u00a0This is a\u00a0LONG\u00a0post, so please get comfy with a cup of coffee or cocoa.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I have so much to share with you today: talk about blogs, jewelry,\u00a0FRIENDS,a publication\u00a0and give aways!\u00a0\u00a0{And you just might want to read to the end.}\u00a0\u00a0 I have been waiting for so long […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,26,18,6,12,32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4767","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog-love","category-give-away","category-indie-artists","category-inspiration","category-jewelry-design","category-publications"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sweetbeadstudio.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4767","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sweetbeadstudio.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sweetbeadstudio.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sweetbeadstudio.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sweetbeadstudio.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4767"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.sweetbeadstudio.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4767\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sweetbeadstudio.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4767"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sweetbeadstudio.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4767"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sweetbeadstudio.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4767"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}