It is not everyday that you post your piece for a challenge already knowing who the winner is BUT, for me, today is that day! Congratulations to Karin Grosset Grange who is the winner of the Gemstone and Metal Blog Hop hosted by the always awesome Lisa Lodge!!! (much applause and general hoopla!) This event took place a bit over a week ago and so, embarrassingly, that makes me more than respectably late. I won't bore you with excuses and such, but just know that "life" took precedent over posting on time and then since the 19th, I have literally been out to sea sailing with my husband to celebrate our 30th anniversary.
I loved the packet I received from Lisa but, as usual, had absolutely no idea what to do with it! Upon coupling the gemstones with a focal stone of complimentary color from my stash, I realized exactly what this assortment of metal and gemstone pieces was destined to become. The natural "picture" created by the striations within the stone reminded me so much of the amazing art of my friend, Tina Sotis . . . you should definitely check out her website here: http://www.tinasotis.com
Tina and I met while scuba diving in Utila in 2012 and despite the fact that we live on opposite ends of the country, she continues to be a powerful source of inspiration for me. I so admire Tina's ability to find beauty even in darkness and to never be satisfied with the ordinary. Tina seeks out adventure and continuously searches for ways to become a better, fuller, wiser person. This piece celebrates the strength and beauty of my extraordinary friend and is dedicated to her with gratitude for all the many ways she unknowingly has enhanced my life.
Much appreciation to Lisa for facilitating this blog hop and to all my fellow artists for their unique and inspiring creations. I look forward to spending some quiet moments (they do happen periodically!) viewing and commenting on each of the sites below. Thank you for your understanding and patience!
Fire and the Thin Blue Line - Tina Sotis
Your hostess: Lisa Lodge, A Grateful Artist
Kim Dworak, Cianci Blue
Marybeth Rich, A Few Words from within the Pines
Karen Grosset Grange, Ginkgo et Coquelicot
Veralynne Malone, Designed by Vera
Katrina Taylor, I Wanna Go Out
Ann Schroeder, Bead Love
Kathleen Breeding, 99 Bottles of Beads on the Wall
Terri Wlaschin, Dances in Fog
Margaret Pelech, Big Margaret
Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation
Kathy Zeigler Lindemer, Bay Moon Design
Heather Richter, Desert Jewelry Designs
Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations
Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends
Melissa Trudinger, Bead Recipes
Shaiha Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
Chris Eisenberg, Wanderware (May be delayed a few days)
Eleanor Burian Moore, The Charmed Life
Christine Stonefield, Sweet Girl Design
Robin Reed, Artistry HCBD
Laurie Vyselaar, Lefthand Jewelry
Cassi Renee Paslick, Beads: Rolling Downhill
Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons
Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things (May be delayed a few days)
Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Judy Campbell, Macmillanmarie Jewellery Design
Nan Smith, Handmade Jewelry Nanmade
Marde Lowe, FanciMarDesigns
Linda Anderson, From the Bead Board
Leithleach Alainn Seodra, Alainn Jewelry
Lisa E. Prewitt Knappenberger, LiRaysa DesignsPaige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs
Chris - As usual, I am blown away by the beauty of you piece! What a lovely tribute to your friend Tina. I LOVE the way you utilized the candy jade teardrops! Tina's paintings are so beautiful, and you captured the "feeling of freedom in nature's bounty" so well. When I look at your necklace and her paintings, the feeling that wells up in me is that "Everything in nature is full of wonder and beauty". Thanks for being in the hop!
ReplyDeleteI hope your trip was as fun as it looks in your picture. Wonderful necklace! Definitely worth the wait. :)
ReplyDeleteStunning necklace, the focal goes so well with the gemstones Lisa sent and it is a wonderful tribute to Tina's art. Well worth the wait and I hope you had a wonderful trip with your husband!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous brio work!
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