ABS Challenge March 2014

The Art Bead Scene challenge for March 2014 is this painting by Dietrich in the so-called Naïve art style, to me a confusing definition, but the painting itself was a source of wonderful inspiration. There are so many lovely geometric aspects here, that I actually started out with one design and completely changed it. I haven't yet given up on my first creation, but I think it needs to "ripen" a bit.

Birds On Riser, 1944 by Adolf Dietrich

Oil on wood 22.6" x 19.7"

Of course, the colourful birds are front and center in this composition, but the frame created by the window, turned on point, became a design element for me as well. I chose several recently acquired handmade elements, as well as some I depend on regularly from my small collection. Here is my necklace (which started out as a bracelet):

Detail of polymer clay, lampwork and ceramic beads

Polymer clay Natasha bead by Alenka Obid 

Pepita Handmade; 

Pale orange speckled stoneware clay beads by Ingrid Mueller, Potterygirl1; 

Lampwork minis by Julie Burgard, Indian Creek Art Glass (Outwest).
Coconut wood long beads from AnnyMay.

Detail of lampwork and  enameled clasp

Lampwork by Amy Hall, Two Glassy Ladies;

Clasp by Kristen Varian, BeadSwedeSupplies;

Uniquely hand-dyed tubular viscose ribbon by Lorraine Stobie, ColourComplements.

In February, I ordered some enameled clasps from Kristen, and I was so impressed when I received them that I asked Kristen to make me a custom order of bird clasps, in that lovely blended colour method she does so well. She sent me this photo for approval:

Of course, I wanted them all! This was March 3rd, just two days before the ABS inspiration painting was posted. I have decided Kristen is a little psychic :) I have also sent one of her birdies to my Bead Soup Party partner.

Detail of focal: coconut wood tube beads woven on wire,
with dangles of pale orange speckled stoneware beads,
Greek ceramic rounds, and polymer clay feathers.

Ceramic beads by Ingrid Mueller, Potterygirl1;

Coconut wood and wire window frame, polymer clay feathers by yours truly, feather cane from a design by Donna Kato.

I enjoyed designing from this month's inspiration painting. Make sure to check the ABS flickr page to see how others have interpreted this charming work.