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Monday, January 5, 2015

MUFFIN TIN CHALLENGE...


To jump start my studio time in this new year I participated in the Muffin Tin Challenge sponsored by Heather Powers of Humblebeads.  The challenge was to fill each individual cup of a 6 or 12 cup muffin tin with beads, wire, findings, etc. to complete one piece of jewelry per cup.  Once the supplies were assembled and cups filled you simply arranged everything into a sassy design and assembled each project as quickly as possible.

 (Easier said than done if you only found out about and decided to do the challenge on the fly the day before it ended....guilty....thank goodness for all those play days making up findings and embellishments or I never could have pulled this off!)

I don't actually think I did this challenge right as my jewelry does not consist of beads only but in mixed media style with plenty of beads on each piece....AND as if all the hurry and scurry were not enough, I am disqualified...my link went up three minutes after deadline...I tried so hard to make it but Blogger was being a pistol and loading photos so slow.  My reward is having 7 pieces of finished jewelry done!

Here is my muffin tin all filled to over flowing:
Don't these look delicious half baked?
                                                                                            




 Fully cooked:
Part 1 of a set of 3 stack boho beach style bangles (this was a bonus project from leftovers in my tins, I had a few strays and scraps and you know I can't waste a good leftover)

A combination of teal, silver, and champagne make a refined feminine triple strand magnet clasp bracelet for dressy occasions: 

Simple soothing sea tones of aqua, green, and white mimic the oceans hues and sun bleached shells:


The charms of nature are abundant in this design a wire nest fulled with tiny pearl eggs, handmade leaves and branches, flowers, and a scampering squirrel and curious bunny charms delight the nature lover:
                                                               


A book lovers delight, "The Librarian" is made from vintage finds such a card catalog pull, card catalog index card, and old brass key accompanied by lovely glass, stone, and brass beads as well as a tiny handmade book:

"Winters Frost" is a delicate rosary style chain piece that consists of tiny glass stones, pearls, and mother of pearl buttons in clear, white, and pale blue hues to mimic a winter frost.  The focal point is a metal leaf with a frosted tiny bird bead and a vintage chandelier crystal.  Handmade/beaded fabric beads as well as handmade leaf and nest embellishments round out the design:

I think the last one is my favorite, "Nature's Wonder" is an asymmetrical design of natural stone beads, natural wood beads, and handmade elements combined with fiber and vine like wire wrapping that invites one to wonder at all natures beauty:


 This was a fantastic exercise and I plan to incorporate it into my studio time. Thank you to Heather for a great kick start to my new year crafting!

blessings,
sandy

16 comments:

Alice said...

Wow so many gorgeous pieces. I love the earthy vibe you have going on, and your photos are so pretty.

Sarajo Wentling said...

What visually interesting pieces you made! Love them! As a librarian, I'm particularly enamored by the "The Librarian." :)

Firefly Design Studio said...

Your colors are so soft and yummy. Pretty half baked but gorgeous finished!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

What a great concept! It must have been so much fun to play like this. With all the new years resolutions to lose weight, it's not fattening either!!

Terri said...

Totally fabulous creations! My favorites were the nest bracelet and the book necklace.

Dorthe said...

Oh MY! Sandy, what a collection of amazing creations. They are all beautiful, in each its own way ! You incoorporated so many amazing pieces, like yout leaves, they are gorgeous ,- and the nest ,too. I think my favorites are the bracelet with the nest , "The Librarian" , and "Nature's Wonder"- may I say : WOW !!!!! you are a wonderful artist, dear Sandy.
I hope your year brings lots of joy, like this! a good health and happiness !
Hugs,Dorthe

bobbie said...

They are ALL lovely, but you had me at that last one!!!
Challenge well met!

Unknown said...

I love the way you work in pieces of fabric and lace. All your pieces are beautiful!

Vee said...

was here...love it all...moving fast before everything freezes again...

Favorite=Librarian Necklace

Createology said...

Sandy I am truly swooning over your creations. I would have never been able to function with muffin tins filled with bits and bobs. You may have been disqualified from the challenge however you have completely WON with all these beautiful YOUnique pieces of glorious elements. Creative Bliss Abounds...

Heather Powers said...

Oh my goodness what a treat it was to see all those beautiful creations - just amazing!!!! I love your mixed media style.

BethBoothe said...

ALL just BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

suziqu's thread works said...

What an amazing collection of pieces here Sandy! You make it look all so easy! Sigh! If only! My favorites are "The Librarian" and the last pendant "Nature's Wonder".
I love all the nature pieces and the soft colors running through your pieces.
Absolutely gorgeous!
Hope this New Year brings many small blessings and much new inspiration for you.
x Suzy

CraftyHope said...

Each and every one of your muffin cups had me drooling over their contents! And the jewelry you created. . .ohhhh boy, it's gorgeous! I've already re-filled one of my muffin cups to get some more items made since this method worked out so well for me. I hope it works out for you when you need that extra push!

Wendy said...

They are all lovely, but my favorite is the last bracelet that you made, it just speaks to my heart. Just stunning! You did a great job at putting all these beautiful treasures together in such a short amount of time. You should be very proud.

Caterina Giglio said...

wow... amazing work and photos!

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