Tags
amphora, art bead, bead, blue, foam, JUL ABS, mother of pearl, necklace, polymer clay, ribbon, sea, The Little Mermaid
This month’s ABS inspiration painting is “The Little Mermaid” by Edmund Dulac. The problem that I had was that I knew exactly what I wanted to make…
The Little Mermaid, 1911 by Edmund Dulac
Pencil, pen, black ink and watercolour with scratching out on paper, 30.8 x 25.2 cm
I wanted to use my polymer clay “Oceanic Artefact” pendant, on an organic ruffled ribbon, ENCRUSTED with shells and pearls, perhaps with a hidden vial of magic liquid.
The problem was that it took me 3 weeks to get into town to buy the ribbon I needed… and then I couldn’t find my shell beads… but I couldn’t think of another design because I KNEW what I wanted to make! When I finally did get the ribbon, it didn’t ruffle like I wanted so I sewed up the edge with pale blue seed beads. Then it wasn’t as organic as I wanted, and the blue was too dark since now it was double. So I put some white glass beads inside the ribbon and by that time it didn’t really go with the pendant anymore.
Instead I used my little faux mother of pearl Amphora bead (which was going to have been the supporting hidden vial of liquid) as the focal.
The resulting necklace is quite pretty and sea foamy, but it is a bit more Disney Princess than I was aiming for. What I had in mind was a much more complex coral reef complete with sharp rocks and stinging anemones as a reminder of the pain in the original story. But now the time is up.
I suppose disappointment is also part of the story.
Fulgorine 
Well, I like it and it would a pretty funky Disney princess who would wear this! I find that the projects I have in mind don’t always come out and I have to change them. In this case, it turned out great. No one would ever know you didn’t mean to do this if you didn’t tell them.
Funny how our intentions sometimes get flipped on their heads, Cate 🙂 Your original pendant choice is beautiful and will have to wait patiently, I suppose!
Oh, I agree – loved the first pendant – thought it was perfect. Just my own opinion. But the Disney princess is rally fun.
Loved reading your ‘challenging’ challenge story! I really do hope your first idea gets created…sounds amazing. Meanwhile, this one so soft and sweet. Full of bubbles and waves!
Thanks for your lovely description. I hope to have another go with the first pendant too.
I love to hear of the process. I am intrigued by that first pendant. Very deep sea encrusted goodness. That other one though is very beautiful too! I love the way you wove the pearl beads into the ribbon to create a wave effect. Thank you for participating in the Art Bead Scene Challenge for July! Enjoy the day! Erin