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Inspired by Winter Challenge

Sally Russick of The Studio Sublime is definitely one for challenges and put out a call for people to participate in her Inspired by Winter challenge.  The goal is to keep you motivated so  your creativity keeps flowing.  I know exactly how hard that can be, especially when depression winter blues hit.  And those winter blues hit me hard, and it didn't take much to bring tears to my eyes.  

What inspiration does winter invoke for me?  Lots of things like--wool, cold, pine trees, fire places, blankets, hot chocolate, large warm sweaters, snow days, colorful scarfs and shawls, boots, leather, snow, slush, salt covered cars, winter dawns, slippery walkways, icy power lines, blowing snow, little bursts of sunlight, warm cozy socks, gray, foggy, hazy skies, spots of red among the trees, candle light in windows, the UP and Alaskan winters.





Remembering Alaska:  The most vivid memory--Layers of clothing from thermal underwear, wool socks, school clothes, topped by snow pants and army green parka with reflective tape sewn on by mom in the shape of the letter R, and the off white, rubber bunny boots.  If you are familiar with the military, you know what they are.  Don't forget the scratchy wool face mask, and gloves covered by mittens.  Then the walk to school.  Yep, it was a little less than a mile in -48 degree weather.  Not lying here.  We could only stay home if the temperature reached -50 degrees.

Well, enough chatter, and onto creativity.  Here is my Inspired by Winter, Winter Berry.


I chose matte dark red spacers from River Oak Acres Lampwork Beads, two off white beads and spacers were made by Art Glass Beads by Celine, the focal by Terri McGill of Rabbit Hutch Beads.

Thank you Sally for hosting a wonderful winter challenge.  Below is a list of participant links!
Enjoy.







Comments

  1. This is such a rich and beautiful bracelet! Love the lampworks you've used here!! just gorgeous!! But I'm still in shock at the thought of walking to school in -48 weather? OMG I can't even think about how cold that must be!

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  2. I have often wondered what Alaska would be like in winter! I can only imagine its brutal. Your piece is just beautiful!!!

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  3. Your bracelet is beautiful and it's wonderful that something like that could be inspired by memories of such a truly brutal climate. That kind of weather would send me into torpor!

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  4. Now - I have never been to Alaska (on my list of places to go before I die!) but I just went there in my mind after reading your story! It was the scratchy face mask that did it for me! I did have one of those when I grew up in Chicago - no need for those anymore!

    Your bracelet is just gorgeous - the colors blend so well and just seem "meant to be"!

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  5. I love how you've used contrast in your design - the creamy, soft creams leave all the drama to those brilliant winter-berry reds!

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  6. I am a Navy wife, so I can soooo see what you had to go through. Though I had to dress MY kids to keep warm. We lived in North Carolina, so it wasn't tooo bad, but I can feel for ya!

    I love your creation. The red beads and off white ones really remind me of snow and berries in the the fields in the winter..Great Job!

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  7. Wow .. those lampwork beads are gorgeous and I love the silver accents. I love the red drops as well, like little berries. It's a gorgeous bracelet.

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  8. This bracelet perfectly reflects your story of creating a little warmth for yourself among all that snow. I love how the deep rich reds glow amid the cool creamy colours you have paired them with :)

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  9. What a showstopper of a bracelet Renetha! The winter color palette of the gorgeous red against the creamy white is wonderful!! I think of holly berries shyly peeking out of the snow that has covered them! Thank you for participating in the hop and showing us how winter inspired you!
    Sally

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  10. I love your velvety reds in contrast with the creamy warm whites. Very nice!

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  11. I cannot even imagine walking to school in such cold weather. Love your imagery and your bracelet is yummy.

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  12. Hi Renetha,
    I can not imagine walking anywhere in -48 degree weather. It is bad enough getting out in 20 degree weather. I love your bracelet it is gorgeous I really love the pops of red those beads are very beautiful.
    Therese

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  13. Oh Stunning!!! LOVE those deep reds!!

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  14. Gorgeous work! I love the berry colour of the red beads.

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  15. Gorgeous bracelet! I love how beautifully you brought together the art beads of three different designers. You have a great eye!

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  16. My youngest son was in the Army stationed in Alaska for a year. He told me about those -48 to -50 days, and then how warm it felt at -10 to -15, that they were going around base in just shirt sleeves! I can't comprehend that at all! Your bracelet is gorgeous! I love the pop of red among the cream, white and silver.

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  17. Wow - I am not going to complain about the teen temperatures again! The bracelet is lovely - I especially love the swirly white/cream lamp work you selected!

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  18. Okay - I won't complain about having a few freezing days here in the desert anymore!! Our friend lives in Wasilla, AK and talks of all the things you mentioned above,....too cold for my blood! But your bracelet,..well that's just stunning!! The colors, the textures,...the art beads - wowsers!!

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