Sunday, October 28, 2012

Oktoberfest challenge

I have survived this weekend :)

If you'd like to check the other 2 blogs hops here they are:


When Rita (Toltec Jewels) put up the Oktoberfest event I had to participate. Who can look at that picture and stay on the sides?!

I knew October will be a busy month, but I also knew I will make something for it - I love autumn colours way too much. Plus she mentioned it doesn't have to be jewelry - decor will be accepted too. And boy, do we decorate for fall!

Nonetheless - I had to make a piece... actually 3! Almost 4 - but I have to solder the rings for the 4th, so I will leave it for another time.

I finally managed to use the vintage amber strand my mom sent me. I made 2 pieces (I took pictures of only one!) - a combination of fall / summer, I can't seem to let the summer go. I present you 'Autumn in Amber'; I am sure through the comments I will re-visit and re-name it :)

Autumn in Amber: copper, vintage Baltic amber, wire wrapped :: All Pretty Things

A flower made of copper and decorated with amber, and a amber-beaded chain: simple, elegant, light and beautiful to wear!

Autumn in Amber: copper, vintage Baltic amber, wire wrapped :: All Pretty Things

I love the colours and the texture: the metal against the organic amber is a very interesting feel!

Autumn in Amber: copper, vintage Baltic amber, wire wrapped :: All Pretty Things

When I dug the amber from the box, I also got two of the bracelets my mom sent (originally set on elastic): no fancy materials, but really interesting and good looking pieces. Out of one of them I made this Victorian necklace (yeah, a couple of weeks too late, I know!) using seed beads and Czech crystals, and a strand of velvet ribbon. I present you "Victorian October Evening":

Victorian October Evening: vintage brown beads, Czech crystals, velvet ribbon :: All Pretty Things

It is incredibly elegant, I knew it would be - but when I added the black velvet I gasped; you have to see the Czech crystals glittering between those delicious chocolate beads to understand its full power. This is not a day piece: it must be worn with an elegant evening dress or even with a crisp white blouse and jeans and very high heels :) Watch for a Polyvore collage soon...

Victorian October Evening: vintage brown beads, Czech crystals, velvet ribbon :: All Pretty Things


Last, but not least - with my newly found love of bead weaving I finally managed to make this piece. I had the inspiration for almost a year, I believe, it's from the book 'Stunning jewelry made easy'. I absolutely love the fiery colours (to think when I bought them I thought these are not my colours!) and I named the bracelet "Glorious Chrysanthemum"

Glorious Chrysanthemum: glass daggers, Japanese seed beads, velvet ribbon, bead weaving :: All Pretty Things

I bought the daggers specifically for this focal, I wanted to make it for a very long time - and now that I did I wonder why I have waited for so long. It is delicious - and it matches the colours of the foliage perfectly!

With the ribbon I just bought for the 'Victorian Evening' necklace I decided to transform it into a bracelet. You can't see very well in the picture - but the ribbon ends are in a gold finish, and the actual hook is hand-made from copper. I wasn't sure about the combination at first, but because of the daggers, which are in a beautiful Siam Ruby and Apple Orange colours, I think the copper and brass make a nice autumn-like 'team' :)

I couldn't leave you without the décor items, could I?

Poppy candles & autumn decor :: All Pretty Things

I found this beautiful candle holder on one of our Royal Botanical Gardens trips - in the gift shop. I love its curves and William chose these (very expensive) poppy-like candles.

Poppy candles & autumn decor :: All Pretty Things

This is our cornucopia on the mantel :) There is something soothing about getting the horn out of storage and filling it with colourful gourds.

Thanksgiving decoration (cornucopia) :: All Pretty Things


I hope you have enjoyed my Oktoberfest adventures - thank you, Rita, for hosting it and making it happen!
And Happy Birthday to our wonderful host, Rita of Toltec Jewels :)

Thank you, my visitor, for taking the journey with me.
And please make sure you visit the other participants: 

20 comments:

  1. OK, I am usually not an orange person, but I totally love that necklace! The flower on it is great!

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    1. You're not an orange person?! I wouldn't have guessed it by that magic bracelet you made :) Please let me know if you add it to your store, I just love it.
      Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. Great work all of them, but the use of daggers is fantastic!

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  3. Alicia, this is simply beautiful! You know how much I love this amber-carnelian color! and you've created such a gorgeous piece! and I love that this is from your mom! just stunning

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  4. I think it's so cool you were able to make that cute flower in "Autumn in Amber" with those irregular shaped amber nuggets. SuperStar!
    Victorian October Evening looks so Egyptain to me, it's Stunning.
    The that fiery little number is Glorious! I bet it's fun to wear. Your Autunm decor is beautiful.

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  5. Awesome work Alicia, love all of the pieces all dressed up in their pretty fall colors of orange and red. The copper was the perfect choice of metal to use too.
    Therese

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  6. I love your Autum in Amber necklace, really pretty. Your fall decorations are great, beautiufl pumplins!
    Sonya

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  7. You've treated us to a beautiful post and what a treasure your amber necklace is. Setting out the cornucopia is one of our family's great traditions, too!

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  8. All of the work is awesome but your Victorian necklace takes the cake. It is just stunning.

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  9. Really like your flower pendant, it is so cute. And of course I love the victorian necklace...really gorgeous!!

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  10. Very beautiful pieces, I absolutely love the bracelet.

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  11. These all are so beautiful. I like most this brown necklace.

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  12. Your jewelry designs are beautiful - love the amber flower pendant!

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  13. Very beautiful! Happy season! I had to take Rita to ER. She will comment asap.thanks, Lee

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    1. Oh, no! I hope she's OK - please send her my best wishes, lots of love & hugs!

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  14. Wow... all pieces are beatiful..! I love first necklace very much..! luv luv it..! :)

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  15. All the pieces are beautiful. Love the wire flower in the focal of the amber one.

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I appreciate and love to read your comments!