Friday, July 30, 2010

Creativity Challenge: "Dream"

The Creativity challenge for the month of July is "Dream." That meant endless possibilities! It's been in the back of my mind all month. For a while I thought I would simply finish a preemie quilt I've had hanging in the closet for way too long. You know, sweet dreams for a newborn and all that. But then I got to thinking about what to do for the Bead Journal Project for July. (I have April's ornament done but have not shown it yet. May's is under construction. I have an idea for June but am not sure how I want to execute it.) I've also been thinking about doing something with a steampunk flavor to it. Then the other day it suddenly occurred to me that I could try to pull it all together into one project.

I used my 15 minutes of piecing to produce the bottom half of my ornament:


This is what my work surface looked like at the end of the process:


I found a shimmery white polyester in my stash to use for the upper half of the ornament. Right after the challenge was announced I had purchased a pair of wing charms, specifically because they are printed with the word 'dream.' Then I had to find something to attach them to... ah! I've had this figure in my charm stash for a long time. This will be a great place to use it!

I also bought a packet of watch parts when I bought the wings. (I told you I wanted to do something steampunk!) Dumped them out, filed off sharp points, found sequins and other things to use with them and was well on my way.

That hard line between the top and bottom halves of the diamond bothered me. I went to the store to look for a ribbon I could couch down and brought home two possibilities (and a huge headache). By themselves neither one really gave me the look I wanted. But I wondered whether a cotton ball might not give me the cloud-like impression I was after. I pulled one apart and used the tiniest shreds of it under the sheer white ribbon. Iridescent seed beads tack the ribbon down in a zigzag over the cotton. Success!


So here's the final product:

I'm very happy with it. (Since the picture was taken I've trimmed off some of those ravelling threads.) To me the clockwork bits at the bottom represent the analytical aspect of my mind and the fairy is there to remind me to take time to dream, whether it be in daylight or while I'm sleeping. And I've fulfilled two challenges in one project! :- )

13 comments:

  1. the juxtoposition of the materials (both fabrics and beads) is striking. my favorite, though, has to be that beautiful faery!

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  2. What a unique use of 'stuff'! Love the piece!!

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  3. Great illustration of the ideas behind it too!

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  4. I love the clock parts, and the meaning of them vs. the whimisical fairy. Very, very nice!

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  5. Wonderful! I love how you explained the process (thought and actual creation).

    Especially like the cotton ball solution!

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  6. Great ornament. I also like the way you explained your process and I love the charm stash. I have one of those too. I let my daughtr-in-law and some of her friends make earrings here a while back and opened up my charm and bead stash to them. They were like little girls with dazzled eyes. Isn't creativity fun!

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  7. Lovely! A precious little art piece that you'll surely enjoy for many years. Love the process story too.

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  8. Fun, fun, fun! You did a great job of putting all the pieces together so it is unified. Some day I'll try steampunk.
    Marty S
    Crackpot Beader

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  9. I love your dreamy steampunk ornament! I loved your process description as well. I think this one came together very well - I can tell you were inspired! And the cotton ball trick is a great solution.

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  10. Great combination of thoughts (and dreams)! Love the fairy who seems timeless contrasted to the watch parts which represent time.

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  11. Beautiful piece- I also love how you explained your process and I think it's a fabulous interpretation of dream :)

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  12. This is SO pretty! And so perfect for the July challenge....I am awed by all the creativity that it produced.
    I really like your piece - is it an ornament? What is a 'bead journal'?

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  13. I just love your ornament! So dreeeaammmyyy..... :) I'm a sucker for fairies! June's challenges have been great. They help me get my rear in gear on projects i've been procrastinating on......I'm gonna have to think on this new one for August.......transitions...hmmm....

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