It's that time again I am happy to say I am all caught up now! January was a crazy month but the tail end of February died down enough to allow me to complete this piece in record time. This is my second piece for the 2011 Bead Journal Challenge. The theme I've chosen for my creative inspiration is traits of a strong woman and this month's trait is "Confidence."
Whereas arrogance can be a real turn-off in someone's personality, a person who has confidence is one to be admired. It can come through in how they carry themselves - shoulders back, bright eyes, thoughtful consideration for the things around them. Just being in the presence of someone with this beautiful trait can be very inspiring.
The phrase "proud as a peacock" has carried a negative connotation as people seem to feel that a peacock struts around with a superior presence. Personally, I believe peacocks to be one of the most beautiful of all creatures... .and if I had those beautiful feathers, I might be walking around like that too.... but with graciousness, of course. ;)
My February cuff is a graphic representation of a close-up view of a single peacock feather. I worked with some color combinations I wouldn't normally use. It was a bit of a challenge capturing the lines of a feather, but I tried my best to maintain the feathery
quality as they flare out from the quill.
I am quite happy with how this piece turned out. These cuffs have a nice weight about them without being too overwhelming. It's a definite statement piece for the one who wears it, and I hope it's worn with pride. Thanks for checking it out! I welcome your comments!
<3
Lisa
Love it! When I was little, my mother had a huge vase that held peacock feathers. I always thought it was amazing that one feather could hold such beauty. I think you've done a wonderful job of capturing that beauty.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful cuff. What a great job you did capturing the feather.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a gorgeous piece! It relates beautifully to your theme.
ReplyDeleteLisa this is just gorgeous! The colors are exquisite and you've captured the irridescent quality of a real feather! I love your theme!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. The cuff and your story. I aspire to be a confident woman every day which is so often a struggle for me and I love the connection to the beautiful peacock. Great work.
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much for the positive comments and kind words. I am so glad this idea is being so well received and the idea that was born in my mind actually translated pretty well onto my beaded canvas. I am so excited about this project and hope the others keep getting better and better. :)
ReplyDelete<3 Lisa
WOW! An awesome piece, so lovely!
ReplyDeleteLisa - I completely agree with your assessment of the peacock & I'm blown away by how beautifully you captured the lines of the feather! I just spent several hours working out how to bead embroider on top of feathers without disturbing the natural shape so your perspective adds another layer of interest for me.
ReplyDeleteCheers.
Stunning! I love the design and the color combination!
ReplyDeleteWow! Before I even read your description, I thought, "Peacock Feather." What a wonderful depiction--and what a project it must have been to design it. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMarty S
Crackpot Beader
Thank you all so much for the encouragement. I am so thrilled that my vision translated so convincingly to my finished product. I was a little apprehensive when approaching the shading to produce something that was feather-like. These cuffs have been such fun to produce and are quickly becoming an obsession. Already starting on #3. Can't wait to share that one with you as well!
ReplyDelete<3 Lisa
Wow! That's just gorgeous!! I still want to try bead embroidery because it gives such beautiful results. That cuff is a stunner! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, MaryLou! You really should try bead embroidery. Try something small to start off with, just to get a feel for how the beads lay together and which method works best for attaching them. Start with some small brooches or pendants before you work up to something larger and more time consuming. It's so much fun to come up with new ideas and then watch them brought to life with beads.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Beautiful cuff and January journal piece. Can't wait to see more.
ReplyDeleteThank you, char. I am officially sucked into the world of cuffs now. I've wanted to do them for so long but am more of an "instant gratification" kinda girl. I tend to go with smaller projects that take maybe 6-8 hours to complete. These are so much more involved, but the creative payoff is well worth it. Thanks again for the kind words of encouragement. Can't wait to SHARE more. :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
I think that turned out wonderfully :)
ReplyDelete