Tags
ABS July, art bead, bead, chain, focal bead, handmade, lampwork, necklace, picasso, steampunk, wire wrapped
This month’s ABS inspiration painting is by Pablo Picasso. I loved the rich colour scheme of dark green, teal, light blue and touches of creamy yellow.
Portrait of Olga in the Armchair, 1917
Pablo Picasso
Oil on Canvas 130 × 88.8 cm
Last year I bought several glass focal beads at a Christmas craft fair in Edinburgh, and one matched the colours of the painting beautifully. The spirals on the bead also reminded me of the tendrils of the foliage in the painting. Unfortunately I was so excited by the beads, I forgot to take a note of the maker.
Based on the age of the painting (1917) I wanted to make something with an Edwardian feel, but also modern in keeping with Picasso’s innovative spirit. Modern-Edwardian, is that a species of Steampunk?
I used blue craft wire (enamel coated copper), glass seed beads, and Czech glass rings to make lots of links.
Fulgorine 
Love your design of this piece!
I really like that your necklace not only has the wonderful colors of the painting, but also really has the time period feel. That is a gorgeous focal bead!
Your focal could have been inspired by Picasso’s painting! Absolutely love your design. Just impeccable wire work!
When I first saw this I thought, how lovely! It really sings with the grace of Olga’s pose and looks wonderful around the neck. Beautiful design!
Thanks. Luckily it also goes really well with my party dress 🙂