A little bit of life, love, and artisan jewelry but mostly the

Home of the Confused Muse..

Where you will find the meadering thoughts of an actively artistic brain - as well as my latest creations, events, soapboxes, dramas, crisis, blessings, and life in general.

This is also the home of "ChrissyMarie Jewelry and Accessories", named for my daughter! Twenty-Five Percent of all sales from this line are donated to B.I.T.S. aka "Better in the Saddle", a local non-profit Equine Assisted Therapy Program ....because we KNOW horses help make miracles!



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February 10, 2010

The BIG Reveal......

It's here! The day for the big reveal. The chance to show off the results of a "Virtual Muse Gathering". What's a "muse gathering"...well, it's 80+ bead artists attending a virtual Bead Soup Party then divided into pairs - a feat our hostess Lori Anderson managed to pull off with epic success. The "partners" exchanged packages of beading supplies to use in creating a design just for this event. The only absolute rule in the design: We had to use the clasp and focal bead provided by our partner. I was quite fortunate to have received a lovely package from my partner Debbie Goering of Prairie Emporium Handcrafted Jewelry.

I received two focal beads, both handmade by bead artist Barbara Lewis, and a lovely assortment of stones, seed beads, and a lovely handmade sterling silver clasp Debbie made for the collection.

Now, before I show reveal the finished piece I want to share a little something about my partner Debbie Goering. She did not share this information with me...but there was something about her address nudging my memory. Greensburg, Kansas? Hmmm...Where had I heard that name before? I started my Internet search and it didn't take long to find the information I was looking for.

On May 4, 2007 Greensburg, KS was hit by an F5 tornado with 200 mph winds. The town destroyed, people died, and lives were devastated. The photos and stories are horrific. NOW I remember! I remember crying and praying as I watched the news footage on television. Oh, but there is more....

Greensburg, KS is now one of the most well known small towns in the world! Why? Because her residents decided to take the absolute worst that Mother Nature had to dish out and not only survive and rebuild but to make a statement in the process. Today Greensburg is the "Greenest" little city in all of Kansas and probably the United States. Now I remember the little Kansas town featured in all of the news reports about living, building, and growing "Green".

Aha! It is amazing what a little research and information can do to spark the imagination and inspire the creative Muse in each of us. I returned to my worktable and took another look at the ingredients Debbie provided and what I saw was GREEN! The reaction was immediate...I knew I had to design a piece honoring this creative woman and the people of Greensburg. In it, you will find "elements" of nature...some raw and some refined. The angry sky before the storm and the seeds of change that followed. Look closely for the details and let your imagination do the rest.

"Elements from Oz"


I used as many natural beads as I could find from my private stash...wood, bone, clay, stone, Buri seeds, copper, silver, and many beads depicting nature such as the large lampwork bead (left) reflecting an angry sky. The focal bead is of course, the “eye” of the storm. I chose to attach it with an unusual Bali Silver bead that, quite frankly, reminded me of a "handle"...something to "Hang ON!" to. The leaves are glass of course but I loved the different shapes and colors. Leaves fly and swirl during a storm but they are also the first hint of new life here in the Midwest.

I hope this necklace, as small and unimpressive as it may be, will convey just a little of the respect I have for Debbie, her talent, and the town of Greensburg. They have taken us over the rainbow" to a real and beautiful new "Oz"! Thanks Debbie for the inspiration!

These are a few close up "crops" of the necklace for more detail....





To make this "Blog Hop" easier for everyone I've included the links to the Blogs of EVERYONE participating!  So, get a drink, put your feet up, and prepare to be impressed! Personally I would suggest literally "hopping" around instead of just going down the list or better yet...start and the bottom and move up! Please be sure and leave comments and if you are so inclined...press that magic "Follow" button :) 
We LOVE it when you do that!!

1. Lori, Pretty Things 
3. Terri, Blooming Ideas...You Are Here
4. Cindy, Sweet Bead Studio
5. Lorelei, Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
6. Kerry, Kabs Creative Concepts
7. Erin, Treasures Found
8. Jeannette, Jeannette Blix Wire and Metal Jewelry
9. Adrienne, Adrienne Designs
10. Nan, Spirit Rattles
11. Laurel, Rue's Daftique
12. Nancy, Beading From the Heart
13. Mary, MK's Creative Musings
14. Cassie, The Glass Beadle
15. Dot, Winchell Clayworks
16. Sharon, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
17. Lisa, Lo and Behold
18. Norma, Bead Dreams and Moonlit Fantaseas
19. Judith, Judith B.
20. Debbie, Prairie Emporium
21. Maria, Garden Path Beads
22. Susan, Kaplan Creations Jewelry and Glass Design
23. Melissa, Melissa Meman: Art, Love, Life
24. Marianna, Pretty Shiny Things
25. Lisa, Joolz by Lisa
26. Cristi, 2 If By Sea
27. Sandra, Marbella Jewelry Design
28. Maria, Greene Earth Originals
29. Barbara, Jewelry of Distinction
30. Leslie, Bei Mondi
31. Loretta, Designs by Loretta
32. Linda, Bella Bead Jewelry
33. Kathie, The Bead Cult
34. Patty, Plays With Fire
35. Nicki, Nicki's Reef
36. Anne Marie, Heart's Desire
37. Mary, Mary Harding Jewelry
38. Jayne, Mama's Got to Doodle
39. Emanda, Artemesia's Studio
40. Whitney, Whitney Lassini
41. Marcie, La Bella Joya
42. Suzann, Beadphoria
43. Jen, Jen Judd Rocks
44. Julie, Credit River Art Glass
45. Janiece, J Birds Garden
46. Kate, Organic Odysseys
47. Laurie, The Mermaid Tale
48. Michelle, My Crazy Crafty Adventure
49. Sue, Sue Beads
50. Janeen, Janeen 365
51. Nancy, The Rabbit Muse
52. Kristie, Artisan Clay
53. Regina, Regina's Writings
54. Tari, Pearl and Pebble
55. Lyn, Lyn Foley
56. Beth, Sunshine Daydreamz
57. Cathryn, Chile Cats
58. Emma, Fred Bean's Nook
59. Connie, Cetta Cheese Chatter
60. Juli, Jul's Beads
61. Julie, RockerJewlz
62. Libby, LibbyLeu and Glass Too
63. Melanie, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
64. Katie, My Life and My Beads
65. Zuleykha, Zuleykha's Polymer Clay
66. Rekella, Me But a Little More in Depth
67. Ricki, What's New at Ricki Voges Design
68. Lisa, Lucid Moon Studio
69. Jo, Daisychain Jewellery
70. Lynette, Rock Hill Designs
71. Lynne, Island Girl's Insights
72. Chas, One Woman's Haven
73. Chas, One Woman's Haven
74. Ruthie, Rose Works Jewelry
75. Elizabeth, Turquoise Sky
76. Maire, Maire Dodd
77. Janet, Singing Woods
78. Eileen, Dorset Hill Beads
79. Julie, Miss Kitten's Jewels
80. Joann, Jo's Jewels
81. Patti, PJ Clark Designs
82. Mel, Kookie Designs
83. Erin, Every Heart Crafts
84. Dale, Flights of Fancy
85. Dee, Runako Designs

49 comments:

Rickie said...

Adrienne, that is one lovely necklace you made--I really like the colors you put together and the wonderful combination of materials--well done!

Kate said...

Adrienne, that is such a heart warming story! How wonderful of a tribute you paid to your bead partner. I love a piece of art that tells a story and your necklace is one of those pieces of art, one that tells a story of a whole town, wow! Just beautiful.

Have a great time at the party!

Kate #46

Kella said...

I love the beads you were sent, I love the story and the inspiration/ muse to create the piece, I love your interpretation, I love the title of the piece and I really love the finished piece, job beautifully well done.

Lorelei Eurto said...

beautiful necklace! The color palette you chose is just perfect with Barbara's beads.

Heather Powers said...

beautiful colors.

Islandgirl said...

Really pretty... & what a nice tribute to the people of Greensburg Kansas!

Anonymous said...

It's amazing what one can create once we find a meaning to apply to the piece. Stunning!
Jeanette Blix

Mary K. McGraw said...

Your color palette is great; I am always drawn to those colors. The necklace is earthly but light and airy feeling. I love how you got your inspiration.

Unknown said...

Great post! The necklace is a beautiful earthy piece, I love it! Cheers :)

Pearl and Pebble said...

This is a beautiful necklace! What a wonderful pendant!!!

Artisan Clay said...

What a great connection! I love the natural feeling of your necklace!

Pretty Things said...

Oh my gosh, that is gorgeous! Totally my color palette.

And I loved how you shared a part of the history, and how the necklace tells a story. How creative and unique!

Thanks for being a part of the party! We'll do it again soon!

Susan Marling said...

The necklace came out beautiful and the story it tells is so awesome. Absolutely great.

Lisa said...

Very nice! I, too, love the story around it.

Maria said...

Very Pretty!
Love It!
Maria

You are welcome to stop by for a cup of "Spring" soup on my blog.
www.mariagrimes.blogspot.com

JBird's Garden said...

A wonderful tribute to a strong small town community and to your partner. The necklace you created is beautiful!

Terri said...

So wearable so beautiful you did an outstanding job! love it.

Round Rabbit said...

Great way to find inspiration! Beautiful piece!

Laurel said...

I love it that you found an inspiration for your creation in the town! Excellent work!

Patricia said...

Ditto everyone's sentiments. Well done, Adrienne!

lisa oram said...

Love those colors, Adrienne. I really enjoy how much "soul" and thought and spirit you put into the work. Also, thanks for blogging about my blog and giveaway (but I'm lisa and not Anita!). I"m glad we're connected now and I look forward to visiting often.

Spirited Earth said...

this bnecklace really speaks to me..lovely

Judy said...

What a great story and a beautiful tribute piece of art.

Nicki said...

Adrienne, what a nice thought to link your creation to her story. And the necklace is really cool. I love all the detail in it. Very well done.

Mermaid Glass said...

This is so pretty. I'm crazy about the colors, so beachy and organic. I feel like I could just put it on and wear it anywhere. I need to go jewelry shopping!

Unknown said...

love these greens, beautiful work

Julie said...

...I just love that you were able to put convey such meaning in your beautiful piece, Adrienne.

Dee said...

oooooooooooooooo what a beautiful piece. I absolutely love the colors you're working with. The finished piece and the natural beads you've chosen makes this an ultimate natural piece of jewelry...great job!

Anonymous said...

lovely colors and design!

moonlitfantaseas said...

very cool necklace, it has a cool calming effect, very nice colors, and you did a wonderful job!

Leslie @ Bei Mondi said...

Wonderful earthy feel to this piece!

EmandaJ said...

Love the necklace even more after you shared your inspiration. Sometimes you just have listen to the beads!

Hasn't this been fun?!?

Emanda
www.ArtemisiaStudio.blogspot.com

Cindy said...

What an absolutely gorgeous necklace!! I just love it...the colors, the double strands, the variety of beads, everything! Your research and story is heartwarming.... and what a beautiful result!! :-)

Marcie Abney Carroll said...

What an inspiring story and such a beautiful necklace to go with it. I love the layered look and this pulls it off gorgeously. Congrats on your combo of colors, it's beautiful.

Erin Siegel said...

Oh, I love this organic design! A piece like this really resonates with me and I know it will resonate with Debbie as well. I also loved the story and information on Debbie's town. What a great way to connect and bring it all together. This piece has so much meaning and significance. I know Debbie will REALLY appreciate this piece from all aspects. Wonderful! :)

Lynette said...

Love the colors and the story...a wonderful blog post! Cheers~

SueBeads said...

Beautiful -I love the colors!

Michelle Mach said...

Lovely color combo--so refreshing! I envy your bead stash to be able to pull out such beauties!

Jen Judd said...

It's a great story and an amazing necklace!!! So gorgeous!

Juli Cannon said...

Adrienne~ the thought and heart you put into this are awesome. Thank you so much for sharing the story. Now hand it over and noone gets hurt.

Beautiful!!!

TesoriTrovati said...

This is one awesome design! But what I am most impressed with is the story that you weave. I think that is quite an honor to have that story be a part of something so lovely.
Thanks for the heaping serving of bead soup. If you haven't already, do come by and taste some of mine!
Enjoy the day! Erin

Sharon said...

I love all the colors and textures in this amazing necklace, beautiful work!

Loretta said...

Lovely story and a great necklace. I love the beads and the design.

Debbie / Prairie Emporium said...

Adrienne, You are amazing!! I can't believe the research you have done. Such a nice post. I love the necklace, It is beautiful!!! I will e-mail you when I get home (we are still on vacation). Thank you for all you gracious compliments.

Regina said...

I had goosebumps reading your blog and seeing what you created! It tells a story not only about your partner and her town but of you as well. Wonderful! love your creativity! love the results!

Anonymous said...

I love those colors! Very pretty 2 1/2 strands. ;) Love the design.

Anonymous said...

I love those colors! Very pretty 2 1/2 strands. ;) Love the design.

Lucid Moon Studio said...

I love that you explained your inspiration and the meaning behind your design. What a nice tribute to your partner! And your necklace is beautiful to boot! I am enjoying all this Bead Soup and certainly have not had my fill yet...great job!!

Lisa

roseworksjewelry said...

Don't call it unimpressive - because you did a wonderful job - and the story behind it all just makes it that much more impressive :)