Better late than never!
Here it is, the day before the challenge ends and I’m just getting this done.
Art Bead Scene offers this unique monthly challenge.
The blog tour of all the entries is this Thursday, February 28th at Art Bead Scene.
I have this inspiration on my desktop and kept eyeing its beauty,
but nothing seemed to come to me.
Not sure why…because there is so much loveliness in this wood cut.
Maybe too many great option to choose from?
It’s titled Heijinja by Toshi Yoshida.
And the color palette by Brandi Hussey is, well, just plain gorgeous.
In the end, I decided to go with the vivid red and keep with the Asian style.
Not really convinced that the result is Japanese, but more Chinese.
I am happy with the mostly monochromatic look, with just a touch of black.
The focal was made with red polymer clay, then stamped.
After baking, a mix of antique stain and black acrylic was applied and wiped off.
Love the antique cinnabar look of these.
I did make a few different beads, and in the end chose the larger flat one.
I will definitely be using these two scroll beads in another piece of jewelry.
The bracelet also has some chunky dyed coral,
a few sparkly crystals, and a tassel for some fun.
Fresh Baked Designs 
Love it.!
The red link looks like something I was looking at on Etsy.
You made it?
Wow! A very quick response to my post today and glad you like it. Yes, this was made by me.
A handmade bead must be included in the design (either by you or purchased). I did make this one and if you are interested in reading about this easy process, look under the tag for “polymer clay”. I blogged about this technique. Hope it’s helpful if you want to give it a try.
Oh my goodness, your bracelet is as beautiful as the woodcut itself. Thank you for listing the original artist; I’ll have to get a copy of it. How I admire your artistic talent! This is so lovely, I can’t find the right words to express how beautiful it is. Of course, you designed it using my favorite colors 🙂 Just beautiful!
I’m blushing, Lois! So happy you like this one. Going with the red seemed just right for this challenge.
And I may get a copy of this wood cut too. Just too serene and peaceful.
I really love this! Love the red and black and the Asian feel to the bracelet. It’s just beautiful!
So pleased you like this piece, Sally. While maybe not exactly Japanese, it definitely does have an Asian flair I was going for. The red and black crystal dangle is designed to be reminiscent of a lantern(probably too subtle, huh?)
You’re such an amazing artist!! Love your beads, they’re so cool. And that bracelet is just gorgeous! Japanese or other,…it’s got that Romantic Oriental Feeling to it – I love it!! I wish I had the guts to try out Polymer Clay,…but I just don’t have the first inkling as to what to do or how,…or what I’d make!
Thanks for your lovely remarks, Shel..All my hats are going to be too tight after reading this.
So far my limited experience with poly clay is to roll it out, stamp, bake and paint. I think of it as grownup play doh.
Fantastic bracelet and cinnabar scrolls! Wow! Love the flat focal as well as the scrolls. The tassel really sets it off. Very oriental and inspiring!
Hi, Zan. Thanks for stopping by today. I do like the way the scroll beads turned out too, and will have to put some thought into how to use them. Any ideas?
Love the scroll beads! I don’t know why, but I always want to put asian inspired beads and bangles in someone’s hair 🙂
Hi, Kerry! What an interesting idea. Sort of like those elaborate combs you might see in a geisha’s up-do, perhaps?
The tassel with that amazing focal bead totally make the bracelet. Amazing job!
Thanks, Julie. At first I thought it might be a bit too much, but then, I was “What the heck! It’s suppose to be an artsy challenge, right?”
Wow! Your bracelet perfectly captures the exotic feel of the Far East. And the tassel and dangle add a bit of romance.
Appreciate your kind words, Karin. Thanks for stopping by!
This bracelet and the pieces you made go SO WELL with the inspiration picture. The addition of the tassel to the bracelet was so inspired and definitely seals the deal on it. Awesome job. 🙂