History Blog Hop: Ancient Egypt

The camera returns, the pictures are taken!

In my last post, I explained the scarcity of pictures to illustrate my creations for the History Blog Hop, sponsored by Leah Curtis of Beady Eyed Bunny  .

Now, the prodigal daughter has returned with my camera, and the necklace, earrings, and a pair of earring charms I created can be truly revealed!

When Leah announced this blog hop, I pounced on Ancient Egypt and the Art Deco period as my choices because I love their design elements, and because Art Deco in many ways reflects the aesthetic of Egypt. 

Ancient Egyptian Necklace

Using Lapis Lazuli gemstone beads, a carved scarab bead I happened to have, and two gauges of copper wire, I sat down to make what I hoped would be a modified bib type necklace.Obviously, the one pictured to the right would take years to construct, at my rate, but I liked the idea of a wider band. Something that could be worn with everyday outfits. 

Ancient Egyptian Scarab

When the Lapis beads arrived, I knew they would be a perfect match for the scarab I had, and the bugle beads that have been sitting there in a drawer waiting to shine! And just because I love earrings, these were born. Doesn't the blue look perfect with the copper?

Thank you for your patience, I hope to make the wait for the Art Deco creation worth your while!

History Blog Hop - Reveal Day!

Uh-Oh!

So here it is, History Blog Hop Reveal day. Leah Curtis, of Beady Eyed Bunny  set up this wonderful challenge. Pick a historical period and create jewelry inspired by the period. She even encouraged us to choose two periods! Being especially fond of the design possibilities of both Ancient Egypt and the 1920s to 30s Art Deco period, I went ahead and signed up for both! Yeah me! I even ordered supplies nice and early. 

Then, life stepped in and gave my husband a heart problem that could not be ignored (see my blog post of October 2 about that. I was able to finish the Egyptian pieces I had started, but the Art Deco eludes me to this moment. Fortunately, Hubby is home and things are well, but my work area is a bit disrupted. And.... I let my daughter borrow my camera without taking pictures of Ancient Egypt! 

So here are the pictures I have already posted once, and a promise to post more as soon as I can!

I created this pendant with Lapis Lazuli beads, copper wire, and a ceramic scarab bead I have had for a while. 

The necklace started out with a sketch. After playing a bit, I came up with something similar, that I will post when I get my camera back. It does not encircle the neck as an Egyptian piece would, but hangs from a chain giving it some modern wearablity. Earrings complete the set. Don't you love the blue lapis with the copper?

As for the Art Deco piece, I can tell you that it will feature this focal. I liked the idea of using insects in both pieces, and the angular Art Deco or Arts and Crafts Style of the brass stamping. I purchased two from B'Sue's Etsy shop, but will only use one for this project. 

Be sure to visit Leah's blog and see what she has created. Then, visit the other participants!

 Watch This Space, for more Ancient Egyptian and Art Deco goodies!

And the bead goes on....

When I'm stressed I turn to bad puns.

So here I am on vacation! Or staycation. that's fine, because I really wanted to catch up on some jewelry designs, especially for the History Blog Hop, sponsored by Leah of Beady Eyed Bunny.

Life always has  a way of getting in the way, But I should be able to post on reveal day based on what I have done already. Hubby is in the hospital having heart surgery as I write this, though, so I'm not sure if the art deco piece will be ready.But Egypt is almost ready! Updates soon!