Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Around the World: a Necklace Round Robin - the Flight continues

I am sure most of you have already read the beginning of the story of our necklace Round Robin. If not, please visit Cindy at Sweetbeadstudio for the first post and Sharon at Livewire Jewelry for the second post about this project that spanned two continents and an ocean, resulting in 5 necklaces, 5 journals and 5 hearts connected in the most incredible way.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my Round Robin sisters - Cindy, Sharon, Esther and Véronique - for giving me the gift of their friendship, their talent and their time. You girls just rock!

It is not so easy to follow Cindy and Sharon - both had such wonderful words to describe this adventure. And believe me, it was an adventure. Being able to hold something one or more of these talented ladies had made was humbling. It was challenging. It was exhilarating (it was also addictive, but don't tell anyone I told you...). It pushed me out of my comfort zone every time. So - it was an adventure in the very best way.

I had decided early on that I wanted to make a journal to accompany my necklace. Not that I had ever done anything like that before. I almost didn't get finished on time. I didn't have a theme for my necklace - I put together a few things that I liked - a resin connector, an etched copper piece and linked them with copper and pearls and beads in green. I have a serious attraction to green. Just sayin'. I made a pouch to hold my necklace and sent it off to Esther, who was to work her magic on it.





As you can see - aside from the incredible beauty my sisters created for this necklace - they also fed my addiction. So much luscious green! The single components of this necklace still blow me away!


Pages in my journal - created by Esther


created by Cindy


created by Sharon


created by Véronique

Since Véronique is, unfortunately, unable to join us in blogging about this project at present - I thought I would share a bit of this second part of the adventure on her behalf, as I was the first to add to her necklace.

Her necklace piece blew me away - and challenged me greatly. She has a completely different style. I decided to focus on the colour and take it from there. Since Véro didn't make a journal to travel with her necklace - she created something like a cabinet card with the information on the back - I decided to start one for her and incorporated her card into it.





My addition to Véronique's necklace

Esther will be showing more of Véronique's necklace tomorrow - so stay tuned!

Sharon's necklace was next. Totally different again. Blown away again. Her theme was Earth and Sky.


Which brought a favorite quote from Khalil Gibran to mind.


A piece of raw Baltic amber, made into a dangle.


My addition to Sharon's necklace.


Her journal and the pouch I sewed for her necklace.

Then, Cindy's necklace arrived.  And - yes, you guessed it - I was, again, blown away. Of course, you all know I am a flea market junkie, so this piece really resonated with me. I immediately knew I would create a resin connector from a vintage rhinestone buckle I found at the flea market. It was just perfect, because I knew Cindy loved rhinestones.



My addition.


An additional page I created in her journal, to connect to her Sentimental Journey theme. 

Next up was Esther's necklace. A masterpiece. But you are going to have to wait until tomorrow to see it - when she will be posting on her blog Mes illusions baroques. Don't miss it.


As Cindy has already mentioned, we are all incredibly honoured to be in the Belle Armoire Jewelry issue this winter. I haven't seen the article yet. But I am truly honoured to be published in this magazine. And Cindy, thank you for all the work and effort you put into getting us there. You know we love you!


In order to celebrate, I will also be having a little giveaway. A couple of my resin pieces, some silver plated vintage beads and dangles and a vintage rhinestone buckle, as seen in the above photo. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post. A winner will be announced on Thursday.

Thank you all for sticking with me through this long post and for your interest in a project that was truly out of this world.

28 comments:

TesoriTrovati said...

Thank you for continuing the journey! I love LOVE love this project. I think that collaborations are so energizing. Because being pulled out of your comfort zone forces you to create in ways you never thought possible. I think each necklace is a delight, just like each of you, and the journalling is superb (but that would be the part that would scare me the most). I hope more of this sort of thing takes off from your experience because the one time that I did that I loved every minute of it.

Enjoy the day!
Erin

Carol Dee, CZT said...

Well done! Lovely article and photos! A real treasure! Thanks for sharing!

lilylovekin said...

What a project and to be published that is exciting. Your work is lovely and there is so much to look at in your article. What a great job!

Sharon said...

This is such a feast for the eyes, each necklace is a masterpiece and I can't wait to hold BAJ in my hands and gaze at each one!

joy said...

What an amazing adventure the five of you have had! The pieces you have shown here are absolutely stunning and what a treasure you will have, along with the journal. Can't wait to see this issue of Belle Armoire!

Esther said...

you did it so well!! beautiful article!! your necklace is really stunning.. i was expecting, as I've worked on it at first.. i was like you.. waiting for results: and what a result!! romizous

mairedodd said...

what a beautiful post! what really pays tribute to this journey of yours is that i was blown away by the whole thing as well! the thoughtfulness, the kindness and sincerity... the desire to make it everything that it could be... and the jewelry? goes without saying that it is stunning... and it is so incredible to me how each necklace really took on a life of its own... beautiful - everything...

Susan Marling said...

I agree with Marie that I was blown away by the sharing, caring group you all formed. The necklaces are fabulous but the friendship is so much more. Thank you for sharing it with us.

creativelenna said...

oh my goodness, Renate. Every time I read more about your adventure (first by Cindy, then Sharon, then you) I feel more of what you all went through sharing this experience. There is hardly anything better than working collaboratively with other artists I think. i am sure you all agree! what a marvelous project, I would also say, you women rock, big time! Congratulations on such a wonderful all around encompassing project. xo

~Debi said...

Wow, they are all so beautiful! It looks like you all had a wonderful time! Congrats on BAJ!!

Createology said...

This is such a wonderful story and journey and I can see why you got published. Each necklace is a true labor of love and reflects each personality as well as the thoughtful links to each owner. To add the personal journals and fabric pouches is just icing on the cake. I love love love this project and hope you will do something again in the near future. I would be honored to be entered in your giveaway. Happy creating...

Lucid Moon Studio said...

It is very exciting to follow each of your journeys in this collaboration. I can't wait to see the article about it! The idea is so cool, and the long distance friendships that were created are awesome. Thanks for sharing and thanks for the generous giveaway!!

steufel said...

OOh, ich liebe Eure Sachen, Renate. Die Posts werden von Tag zu Tag schöner. Das ist so eine wunderbare Idee und die Stücke, die Ihr geschaffen habt, einfach fantastisch.

Cindy said...

Renate, your words are as beautiful as the necklaces and journals themselves. I share your sentiments that this was truly the time of my life and I will cherish the bond that I have you all of you. I remember back in the summer before we got started, how I was just getting to know you. And after all of these months (a year actually!), I feel so close to you like you are truly a big sister. Thank you for pouring your heart in to this project and in to our friendship. :-)

Anonymous said...

Renate, the necklaces are just beautiful and I am enjoying following everyone's blog posts. What a great project to connect with others. The amount of creativity in you five women is so inspiring!!

Unknown said...

Once again, your necklace is gorgeous Renate. I am truly inspired by you and your "sisters." What a wonderful journey it must have been. I'm more anxious than ever to see the others. Thanks to all of you for sharing your story. I'll be looking for you in BAJ, and Congrats!

Judy said...

Renate, your journey was incredible and thank you for allowing us readers to go on it with you. Your necklace is a masterpiece and reflects you so well! It is wonderful to see women bond and collaborate so well together, it inspires us all!

Wanda..... said...

What beautiful creations and such a lovely way to do it, Renate!

CraftyHope said...

Oh, how much I am loving following this story y'all are telling is so hard to put into words. I can't wait to see the article in what is one of my favorite jewelry magazines! Thank you so much for sharing this. The jewelry pieces and journals are BEAUTIFUL!!

In the Light of the Moon said...

I have already drooled and savored this cover and issue and I am so so so thrilled for you all!!What treasures..and friendships!!Congrats to you!!
Please count me in on your generous giveaway!!
Warmest Regards,Cat

SummersStudio said...

Dear, sweet, Renate, you are third up in this wonderful line up on the round robbin and you have endeared me to this lovely project even more. What I am so impressed with is the finished pieces. All beautiful! But more than that, I know all of you from the wonderful world of blogs. In fact, I think you and I started out at about the same time. What I see in these necklaces is a finished piece that truly reflects each artist. Not such an easy thing to do given you each have distinct styles. Kudos! And thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Especially your journals!

Hopemore Studio said...

Renate, that is quite a journey. I'm so glad to read you pushed yourself outside your comfort zone, I think that is why collaboration pieces are so sought after. Your additions to everyones' necklace was fantastic.

Can't wait to read about it in the magazine...CONGRATS!!!

Angie

Palimpa Lim said...

Dieses Projekt ist so, so wundervoll, liebe Renate, und die Ergebnisse nicht von dieser Welt!!!
Herzlichen Glückwunsch auch zum Veröffentlichtwerden - ich freue mich schon darauf, den Artikel zu lesen!
Ganz liebe Grüße aus der Weihnachtswerkstatt ;)

kim said...

The necklace and it's journey's are beyond beautiful...the memories you will always have and pass on. Thank you for sharing

Stories They Tell said...

As you know, I love to collaborate with other artists. But this-- I am just speechless with what you 5 came up with! Really, just speechless! So far I have seen Cindy's and yours, but I am going now to Sharon's blog to see hers as well. I think the difference is that you all put your hearts and souls into this endeavor. And you took your time. I also love the journaling, I think that's a fantastic way to mull over the work done on your piece so far, look into your particular vision for what you want to add and then have the spiritual tools to combine just the right elements. The net results are so different and expressive. I would have to wear it every day! Thanks for sharing your vision with all of us and I can't wait to see you in Belle Armoire!

sandi m said...

Renate,
I love your part of the Round Robin story. Your necklace is beautiful.
And what talent in creating the journal pages!

It would be wonderful if all the winners became a new Round Robin.

Can't wait to get my BAJ issue.
Thanks for sharing....
sandi

Jules said...

Hi Renate,
What a wonderful journey you've had. You've come away with a gorgeous necklace and an experience of a lifetime. I can't wait to get the new Belle Armoire Jewelry Issue and read more. A well deserved honor indeed. Congratulations to you all.
Julie

Diane said...

Truly beautiful work Renate...you should all be so very proud! I am proud for you =)) I love the journals, and the work you put into each and every piece you touched and added to...wonderful job my friend!
Congratulations on being published in BAJ!!