Wednesday, December 1, 2010

My creative space...

...is all about learning and growing this week.

Do you remember the work-in-progress piece I showed you yesterday?

It was a steep learning curve...


...I had to teach myself how to sweat solder.


And not just sweat soldering one piece to another...


...but sweat soldering one piece to another to another to another.


Oh, and throw in two different types of metal, and...


...yeah, well I said it was a steep learning curve!
*LOL*


But I finished it...


...and I love it ♥


The *Koutoubia* Necklace



Layers of sterling silver and copper...

...rich with texture.


Measuring 32mm long and 28mm wide, it is petite enough to wear everyday...

...and I think I may just *have* to wear it everyday!


And the inspiration behind this piece?

Photo courtesy of Marie Sophie

This exquisite doorway in the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech.

The doorway inspired this sketch...

 
...which inspired this necklace!


What is inspiring you this week?

More creative spaces over at Kootoyoo.

20 comments:

  1. Wow my friend!!!! That is stunning!!! I am in awe. It takes a lot to find me speachless and this does. In a good way.
    Nicole/Beadwright

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  2. It is beautiful, stunningly beautiful.

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  3. Belinda....it is absolutely wonderful!!
    I love this your new style!!
    Hugs!

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  4. What a gorgeous piece, Belinda!! ... and it is great seeing everything together: the sketches, the architectural feature that inspired you and the finished jewel! Beautiful!!:)
    Me...I am in Christmas mode already and I am thinking angels,magic and presents - so I am working on an 'angelic'(well...lets see!) neckpiece using silver tones and ... white feathers!
    Geanina :)

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  5. Just beautiful Belinda! Who knew Mickey Mouse was so talented? ;)

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  6. Stunning. I love seeing where the inspiration comes from, that doorway is beautiful.

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  7. Thanks Nicole, what a treat to leave you speechless! Your support means the world to me, as always :-) B. -xo-

    Thanks Lou! ♥

    Thanks Kath! Btw, you are on such a roll with your stamping...love it!

    Anna, I'm so glad you're enjoying my latest creative endeavours...I must admit that I'm really enjoying working with metal :-) My poor beads have been somewhat neglected lately!

    Thanks Geanina! I always love reading about the inspiration behind your creations too ;-) Ooh, angels and magic and presents sounds just delightful...there is a definite magic about this time of the year! :-)

    Thank you Jana! :-)

    Hehe Thanks Kirsty...perhaps the Mickey Mouse ears help my creativity ;-)

    Thanks Hannah, I always try to share the inspiration behind my creations...I think it helps to tell the story :-)

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  8. Super job Belinda! What a gorgeous necklace. You matched your sketch to a tee. Well done:) xx

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  9. This is beautiful and I love how you shared your inspiration as well. Excellent job!

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  10. Thanks Lenita...your support always means the world to me :-) B. -xo-

    Thank you so much, Aleta! It is a pleasure to share :-)

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  11. A lovely piece Belinda. I love the inspiration behind the piece too.

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  12. Thanks Pam! I think sweat soldering is my new favourite technique ;-)

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  13. WOW!!! I love that Belinda. Awesome.

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  14. Thanks A-K...you've made my day! -xo-

    Thank you, ELK...I'm so glad you love it :-)

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  15. You do such stunning work, Belinda. I love reading about your inspiration behind the piece and the blood, sweat and tears that went into perfecting these gorgeous treasures.

    I did a holiday boutique this weekend and another jewelry designer in attendance did metal work. Her attitude and her whole vibe was SO different from yours. She was all about talking to the customer about how expensive her materials were and trying to make the rest of us jewelry vendors look less important in the customers eyes.

    I value someone like you who puts what's important into their work and has taken this artform on as a way of learning and challenging yourself to become a better designer.

    So thank you for sharing your spirit with us and the beautiful work that comes as a result. It really does have a lot to do with the intent with which it was created.

    Happy holidays to you and yours!

    Lis

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  16. Oh my gosh Lis, you are going to make me cry!!! Your words are so touching, I'm truly humbled. Thank you from the bottom of my beady heart, my friend! ♥♥♥

    And I completely agree with you...the cost of the materials isn't nearly as important as the soul and intent with which you create. I would like to think that customers can tell the difference :-)

    Wishing you and your family the merriest of silly seasons!

    B.
    -xo-

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Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a comment!

B.
-xo-