Cattelya Orchid and Three Hummingbirds by Martin Johnston Heade
The Art Bead Scene Editors are taking the Challenge this month with a beautiful painting by Martin Heade, the Cattelya Orchid and Three Hummingbirds. I am especially drawn to lush tropical rain forests so I have really enjoyed looking long and closely at this painting. Here we have a delicious range of colors to choose from and a multitude of flora and fauna. I found myself focusing on the pod like elements of the Cattelya Orchid and the rich greens and red browns. I experimented with the pod like shapes and attempted to create them in copper. I imagined them entwined with vines and other worldly in appearance.
copper pod bead hole runs from top to bottom by Mary Harding
copper pod bead with curled vine in front--hole runs from top to bottom by Mary Harding
Then I made a series of long thin pods wrapped with vines. These are more decorative than the rounder ones.
long thin pod beads made of copper hollow inside by Mary Harding
In addition to these beads, I began a free form peyote stitch bracelet inspired by the colors of the painting--those rich red browns and beige yellows. I built the bracelet around these 2 two hole beads. I think the colors are very tropical and like the painting.
Tropical flora raku fired beads by Mary Harding
Two hole ceramic raku fired beads by Mary Harding
I like the idea of using two hole beads since they insure that they won't be able to flip over.
Once I had chosen the beads, I found colors in red browns, golden browns and greens.
one of the two hole beads attached to the bracelet
the bracelet closure-- almost an echo of the orchid shape
Full view of my free form peyote stitch bracelet
I expect to keep working on the pod beads and have some in my Etsy shop by next weekend, since I will be out of town for the next few days. The bracelet I will be keeping for now.
Thanks so much for stopping by to see how I have been inspired. I hope you will check out the others as well HERE.
Rebecca Anderson – Songbeads
Mary Harding – Mary Harding Jewelry
Heather Powers – Humblebeads Blog
Claire Lockwood-Something to Do with Your Hands
