Break from Tradition Blog Hop - Spikes prove to be a Challenge

June 22, 2014
Where some may see bat ears when given black howlite spikes, I saw bee stingers!  Bees are my story.
 
Howlite Spike Artisan Necklace
 
 
Cynthia of Antiquity Travelers found these black and white howlite spikes and decided to torture invite her beading friends to participate in a hop using the spikes as the challenge component.
 
I first thought about doing a cuff with a bee tile centerpiece, but I just couldn't get excited about it.  I still may do it, as I think it would be pretty cool, but for now it's a resting idea.
 
Instead, after tossing them in the corner of my work table, I ran with the bee idea in a different direction.  The spikes landed next to one of Lorelei Eurto's Tin Snippets and I figured it was fate.
 
 
Honey Bee Artisan Necklace
 
 
In another flight of fancy, last summer I'd placed a pressed flower and the brass hexagon beads with a vintage French crystal in a bezel and set it on the table, too.  I was going to cover it in resin some day.  So thanks to Cynthia I cleaned up some of the bits on my work table and created this new statement piece for myself:
 
 
Honey Bee Statement Necklace
 
 
One of the cells drifted a bit during the resin-ating process, but I think that adds to the story.  The story of the plight of the honeybee.
 
Wait there's one more creation!!!  Cynthia also gave us white spikes if we wanted them.  I foolishly asked for both, but I finally in the nick of time came up with a design that makes me happy. 
 

Red and Turquoise Boho style earrings

My Circus

Fairy Flowers by Mermaid Glass

Lampwork bead by Pink Beach Studios

 
I named these after a Polish Proverb that's making the rounds on Pinterest and Facebook:
 

Every time you feel yourself getting pulled into other people's nonsense, repeat these words.

 
Thank you Cynthia for challenging me and including me in this fun hop.  Ignore my whining, I am blessed to have you and the rest of the bead posse in my friends online loop.  I look forward to the day we'll change that to just friends.  I've got a couple of interesting items for us to play with next.  Mwa haha!
 
 
 
 
Here are the Break from Tradition blog hoppers:
 
Christine (One Kiss Creations)
Janet (Honey from the Bee) - You are here!