Remember the tintype pendant I posted a little bit ago? I made an especially sparkling toggle clasp for it that is entered in a contest at Objects and Elements...
The circle part of the clasp is taken from a shiny, vintage rhinestone earring. For the toggle, I drew a bead on each end of a 16 gauge sterling silver bar. Then, I wrapped it with a bit of variegated red fabric that was given to me by a dear friend. Next, I completely smothered it in tiny faceted garnets and freshwater pearls. As you can see there are two small, light colored pearls nestled amongst all the red. I frequently am inspired by the work of Vincent Van Gogh. His color palette and style really turn me on. One of his paintings that I am drawn to again and again is his Irises, the one with all the blue flowers but only one white.
As I was wrapping the toggle with the abundance of red, I started to reflect on Irises. And I thought of how some say it is symbolic of Van Gogh's loneliness. And, I don't want to be alone. Typically, I am a very solitary loving creature. But, after dropping my children off at summer school for the first day, I missed them and needed two little light pearls to symbolize their sweet selves.
This concept also ties in to the story of the whole piece. The pendant has the word Joy etched under the serious face of a pink-cheeked lady on an old tintype. I want to believe that even though her jaw is set and she looks a bit austere, that she knew happiness even in times of hardship. The necklace features some of my favorite sorts of beads and stones. There are big chunks and balls of red coral, a seriously oversized smooth garnet that looks like a gumball, Bali beads, a bead from a sweet friend, and a bumpy blown glass bead that reminds me of an octopus or alien space ship.
Stamped into the back of the sterling silver pendant, it reads Open Your Heart to Joy. This serves as a reminder that in each moment there is the opportunity to be happy. It's a matter of choice (and sometimes the right shoes). :0)
If you feel so inclined, please visit the Objects and Elements site this weekend and vote for my clasp. Better yet, stop by my Etsy store and buy it for your very own. :0) Thanks, friends!
Hi Kelly,
What a wonderful piece you have created!! I so admire the way you have carried your piece's story to the end with the toggle. It makes a beautiful final chapter :) I also love the way I focus immediately on the two white pearls as if to say the I have reached the end of the stoy! :)
Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mexico
Posted by: Pattie | July 01, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Followed you here from Facebook -- that entire necklace is terrific, but I am especially enamored of the toggle! Fabulous work!
Posted by: Lori Anderson | July 01, 2009 at 12:31 PM
stunning...
Posted by: barbara | July 01, 2009 at 12:53 PM
The garnets and pearls on the toggle made me think of pomegrante seeds. The colors are amazing.
Posted by: Cindy Ericsson | July 01, 2009 at 01:27 PM
The toggle is wonderful and so is the tintype. I think I like the story as much as the necklace.
Posted by: Mary Anne Gruen | July 01, 2009 at 02:19 PM
That is one GORGEOUS piece sista! Such lovely work. I LOVE LOVE LOVE red.
Posted by: Linda | July 01, 2009 at 04:39 PM
Love the vintage style of your clasp Kelly, and the story....so so sweet!
Posted by: sharon | July 01, 2009 at 05:05 PM
First, the toggle clap out of vintage rhinestones, garnets and pearls is so utterly delicious one could just wear that alone. However, how you tied it in with the other elements, beads, and such is truely magnificent! The coral, the uber chunky garnet, and other yum yums...bravo! you will be getting my vote!
Posted by: pilar | July 01, 2009 at 09:31 PM
Beautiful piece, Kelly! And lovely story!!
Posted by: Renate | July 02, 2009 at 04:23 AM
oh kelly, this looks so fantastic! I am completely fascinated by your lovely, lovely piece here! The toggle especially is lovely. good luck in the contest!
Posted by: Dale | July 02, 2009 at 05:47 AM
What a beautiful submission Kelly! And, what a great story behind the piece =)
xoxox
Posted by: Diane Cook | July 02, 2009 at 10:11 AM
I love to wire beads/pearls/stones to things!
And I love it when other people do too!
Very awesome job!
That is one cool clasp and one cool necklace!
You got my vote!
Posted by: pamq | July 04, 2009 at 10:16 PM
oh, Kelly...simply breathtaking! xo, Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Remy | July 05, 2009 at 05:20 AM
Bee-you-tea-full!!! And I love the story, that makes it extra special. I voted!!
Posted by: Mary Beth Shaw | July 05, 2009 at 09:52 AM
You just got my vote!
Posted by: peggy gatto | July 07, 2009 at 02:08 PM
Gorgeous work as always. I have to agree with you about the inspiration from Van Gogh. His colors never fail to inspire. I envy your eye.
By the way, you got my vote!!!
Lois
Posted by: Lois | July 08, 2009 at 09:57 AM
Another gorgeous piece. Congratulations on your win!
Posted by: Deryn Mentock | July 16, 2009 at 07:49 AM