Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Hear Ye... Hear Ye

A new queen has been named... Beadtrice, Queen of Vintage Sparkle. And we all know queens wear crowns, right?




Okay, let me back up just a little. A few weeks ago, by way of Dulcey's blog, I discovered Nancy Eha was hosting an embellished tiara contest and I could not resist taking part.



A wonderful kit was provided as well as clearly defined guidelines, one of which was coming up with a royal name.

The theme for the challenge... 'All About the Sparkle'



The deadline to get the images entered is the same day I leave for the Tahoe Bead Retreat, I managed to get my entry sent off yesterday - one more thing off my 'to do' list before I leave - HOORAY!



Details about the construction of the piece and the materials used - a large piece of 'black crown magic' was provided in the kit as the base for the crown. Since I rarely measure or plan anything I bead, I encountered more measuring and cutting than I am used to and was a bit intimidated by it but am pleased with the results.



Something else I am not so experienced with is fusing. I applied it on the material used for the backing of the crown. For added stability, I ran a thin piece of wire along the bottom of the crown line and added poster board between the material on the back and the 'crown magic'. The finished crown is soft but sturdy.



I used 9 vintage Swarovski sew-on's along the bottom of the crown as well as 6 - 6mm Swarovski margarita beads. Also added are 2 tiny (3mm) Swarovski crystal sequins, 17 purple Swarovski 4mm bicones and two vintage glass sew on jewels in purple and royal blue. Makes for LOTS of sparkle. I added size 11/0 gold beads with size 15/0 violet gold luster beads in a pointed edge stitch as found in Beading with Cabochons by Jamie Cloud Eakin. Not only does is add a golden glow around the edge, it's a great way to attached the back to the front. It is one of my favorite edge stitches.

Speaking of sparkle - how about those sequins? I have a limited number of these vintage sequins in a rainbow of colors. I was lucky enough to find them on EBay through a woman that was selling off wonderful vintage stock used long ago by her grandmother. These sequins were used by the grandmother and great aunt to decorate/create Christmas ornaments. They are so pretty and the colors are like nothing I have seen in newer sequins, they don't fade, rub off or lose their brilliance no matter how much they are handled. Fit for royalty I think.

One of the requirements is to include a photo of the creator wearing the crown. I am not including that photo here, but it will be included in the final entries for the contest.

If you are interested in seeing the entries (and voting for your favorite), you can sign up for Nancy's newsletter through her website (see the bottom of the web page) If you are not familiar with Nancy's work, take a few minutes to view her gallery. There is some great stuff there!

15 comments:

Timaree said...

Wow. This turned out really, really nice. I've got one of Nancy's books but haven't been to her website. Will have to check it out. Thanks for the link. Enjoy your beadfest.

Phyl said...

You just keep on "outdoing" yourself with each beading project!
This tiara is WONDERFUL!!!
Wish I'd known earlier about the contest; it's a fun challenge!Good luck...
beautiful beading, as always......

Denise said...

wow! That is a beautiful crown! I really like the work you put into it and all those crystals must just make it sparkle!
I hope you have a great time at the retreat! I would love to join you one day!
Cheers, Denise

KV said...

This is so awesome, Grace! I can see how much fun you had creating this tiara . . .


Kathy V in NM

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Gosh Grace, It is soooo cool! Sounds like you enjoyed the project. Where will you wear it?

flyingbeader said...

LOVELY. I have a source of vintage sequins. Will have to find the website later, but I'll have it by Tahoe.

dot

Dulcey said...

I love it! It's really great, and the components you chose were perfect! Congrats on getting it done with time to spare, too.

Judi D said...

It is just beautiful and rightly fit for a queen!

pam T said...

oh yeah, I can picture you wearing it now... an everyday garment.... Seriously, this is awesome. you are a master of beading, Grace.

Pursuing Art... said...

Oh what fun! The tiara turned out beautiful and I can imagine how sparkalicious it is! You did a great job. Nice prize chances too...have my finger and toes crossed for you.

Are your bags packed?!! ~wink~ I bet you can hardly wait... If I don't talk to you before you leave, have a safe trip and the greatest time!!! I know you will have a blast. XO ~Lisa

Lynn said...

Long live the Queen Bead!

;0)

The Lone Beader® said...

So fun!! Good luck!

Quilter Kathy said...

AH come on! We want to see the tiara on YOUR head!
You are the amazing Beading Queen and this project is amazing!

*~tabby~* crooked heart art said...

hi grace
just looking in on you
its been awhile since you've posted??
i hope all is well with you
and we will see more of your magic soon
x's & o's
tammy

Our Hands For Hope said...

AWESOME crown! I think it is only fitting to now wear it EVERYDAY!

Leaves of Grass

This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men, go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young and with the mothers of families, read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life, re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in its words but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes and in every motion and joint of your body - Walt Whitman