I knew as this piece began to develop that it would be French. The pearls. The silk. The crystals. The filigree fantasy of the pendant. It suggested a baroque treatment. At some point the word “chatoyance” came into my head. In gemology it refers to a “wavy, luminous band with a silky luster” - a “cat’s eye." The wavy silk band and the lustrous beads in the kit form a ribboned collar that could grace a diva – feline or otherwise. My own chat – Kabuki – had absolutely no interest in this piece but he kept me company throughout.

Salacia, the wife of Neptune, wore these adornments. Without them her powers faded. I received the lost gift of Neptune (Poseidon), the engraved shell, recently in a sealed package. Then my hunt began to find the remainder of the pieces to again make Salacia’s royal jewels whole. The magnificent gift from the ruler of the ancient Romans, Jupiter (aka Zeus), was destroyed by Hera (Juno) in one of her many fits of jealousy. I created a new one…shhh.

My Blog

My personal muses seem to be partial to crystal chokers cause that's what they encouraged me to make. There were already some lovely crystals in the kit that I mixed with some in my own collection. The pearls and silver loops were used to accent the round, shell muse. Crystals surround pearls to lend sparkle to this piece. Three strands lead into a single strand in the center to make the muse the focus.

Adalea's Designs Blog

My inspiration from the muse started with planets as I imagined the rings of Saturn. Also, when I make things I challenge myself to make them as versatile as I can and when I first saw the muse I knew the pendant would be reversible. While sketching I also thought it would be nice to make part of it removable to be worn as a bracelet. Another nice feature I added is that the necklace is adjustable beyond the removable bracelet which allows for several different looks from this one design. This is the first jewelry contest I've ever entered.

The Muse pieces reminded me of the sparkle and swirling changes of youth. I saw this as an opportunity to incorporate some great dragonfly beads I obtained travelling in Florida earlier this year and, also, to use this beautiful butterfly toggle clasp. All of these items spoke of youth. However, youth is also full of continual contradictions, so I wanted to make the necklace asymmetrical in nature to symbolise that as well.

This freeform beadweaving piece simply evolved, which is the way I like to work! I wanted to do something a-symetrical that blended sophistication and whimsey together. It is a 17.5" choker-style necklace that will turn heads as you wear it!

~unique wearable beadwoven art ~

I found this contest a challenge, not knowing what the muse piece looked like. I named the piece before I saw the muse the Spirit of the Muse. I made a mixed media pendant of polymer clay, seed beads and crystals. I wanted the faces to look like spirits coming out of the void. To achieve this affect, I made marbled face beads of blue, red, translucent and gold clay. I used various seed beading techniques to accent the face beads and the muse. The bail made of pearls crystals and seed beads.

As soon as I saw the Muse, I fell in love with the beautiful filigree etched design on it - it put me in mind of the Celtic imagery of my homeland, Scotland. The whole collar springs from the muse; colour scheme and structural design. I have echoed the lines of the muse in my collar, with lines of blue and golden crystals. These are surrounded by swirling seed beads and further crystals, completed with a peyote clasp and spiral pearl and crystal rope, which sits atop the main body of the collar.

Rebecca's Blog

"Maybe, Sparrow" is titled after one of my favorite Neko Case songs. This piece really evolved as I beaded. When I initially saw the muse, I envisioned a large tassle hanging from it, which I completed using an embellished spiral technique. Once that was complete, it began to look victorian to me and I added the Vintaj brass sparrows. I created a bail for the pendant using flat peyote sitch. The chain was woven with a technique utilizing two needles. I added some beads from my own stash including some crystal mararitas and a crysal ring. I also added some seed beads including some marbled 11/0's, 3-cuts and cubes.

To view more of Kelly's work or to contact her, please visit her website.

The beautiful Muse had me looking for beads I hadn’t used in years. Three colors of seed beads and glass disc beads were added to my stash of shell coins, freshwater pearls and glass drops. Stringing the coins and discs, I captured the Muse in beaded loops and created a pendant with shell coins in decending sizes. I combined my seed beads with the beads from the kit and proceeded to fringe like crazy. The crystals, glass pearls and drops were used for the ends of each branch fringe.

Z'annes blog

I have always loved pearls. As a child I received a necklace with a pearl captured in a swirled gold cage. My grandmother's name was Pearl and my granddaughter’s name is BellaMarie Pearl, named in part after my grandmother. My necklace is named after them both. The center of Bella is a double drilled shell that I have been waiting for the right design. This leads to my part of the necklace – I love things unique. It was a challenge to design something I had not seen before. But I am truly in love with the outcome.

The Muse led me to create this magical garland of soft purples, ivories and blues on the provided silk background, all leading to the fairy's glorious throne. I loved how all the colors and materials magically blended, right down to the lucious blueberry clasp! I've never made a bracelet like this before, and I really loved doing it. Thanks, Scarlett, for a wonderfully satisfying challenge!

The delicate scrolls and pearl luster of the Muse accompanied by more pearls, sparkling crystals, and blue tones immediately made me think of waves splashing in the surf. To create the essence of waves, I created a silver wire ‘wave’ for the pendant and three strands to resemble waves splashing into shore and one strand to resemble the wave as it receded. The use of pearls and crystals further enhance the thoughts of treasures that can be found in the waves.

I really loved the colors in the kit! I did most of the necklace in spiral stitch using both size seed beads. I used right angle weave on the bail. I had just received the pink rings and I decided to use them to attach the ribbon. When I receive the kits I usually lay out piles of all the beads with the muse in the middle and look at them for a few days. Then when I finish the design I look at it for a few days to see if it matches what I envisioned for the piece.

See more of Marianne's designs here

See my entry from USE THE MUSE I

My inspiration for this piece was a paisley dress that my grandmother wore to church. The muse immediately brought this dress to mind. My grandmother did not wear a lot of jewelry, but she had a strand of pearls that she treasured, hence the addition of the pearls in the necklace. The silk ribbon made me think of her purple trimmed lace handkerchief that she was never without. I made this piece as a tribute to my grandmother, whom I dearly miss. I can visualize her wearing this. She would have loved it.

I really enjoyed working with the "Use the Muse" kit. I started using Swarovski crystal bicones and Bali sterling silver beads and 2 pieces of amethyst around the bicones. I put the dark blue seed beads for the majority of the necklace. With fine wire I used pink seed beads and carefully wired on the loops at the top of the necklace. I again used silver wire and made a circle of pearls and seed beads and came up through the muse and wired it on my necklace finishing with hand stitching the loops of beads around the muse.

I have used a piece of Paua shell wire wrapped with gold filled wire and the beads on top right are from a range called KiwiFruit hence the name. Some of the beads have been crocheted and then wired together and the idea of the lariat is to feature whatever part I fancy. I love the Swarovski crystals on the Muse as they so sparkle beautifully

Even though it was made of shell, I was struck by the almost sky like nature of the Muse and I wanted to both replicate the shape of the muse but also elements of sky by creating the beaded chain parts that link several strands of beads around larger beads in a way that almost groups like smaller clouds around bigger clouds.

Shiraz's jewelry blog

Kumi Himo braids made with ribbon and embroidery thread join the dyed silk ribbon as the necklace strand. Finished with an antique gold toggle, the necklace can be worn with the strands twisted or hanging individually. The Lillypilly donut is adorned with an antique gold button and spacers, Swarovski crystals, and encircled with creme seed beads. The fringe begins with navy iris 15's providing contrast against the embellished donut, and incorporates beads from the kit and my own, including light colorado topaz Swarovski crystal. The palette colors reminded me of a calming and luxurious dusk rain shower, casual and elegant.

I decided to keep it simple and stick to stringing since I am a novice beader and have not yet learned any bead-weaving techniques. I used most of the crystal beads and pearls in the kit. I ordered a few additional platinum pearls and some tanzanite 2xAB crystals. I also added 3mm sterling,5mm amethyst beads, and a sterling bail from my stash. I finished off the piece with a decorative sterling toggle clasp in the shape of a flower. I named the piece after a lattice top pie I recently made. It reminded me of the Muse!

The Lillypilly pendant for the Use the Muse challenge inspired me to create something free feeling and organic, and was an opportunity for me to incorporate what I know about beadweaving with my love for wire and gemstones. I envisioned the pendant as a pretty blue moon, with a lovely swirling atmosphere, so I chose to accent it with a contrast of the rough amazonite, and the smooth blue opals, matte seed beads,and sparkly crystals, the smoothness and swirl of the wire and the organic design of the necklace.....just as the moon should look!

My Use the Muse II contest entry

The instant I saw my beautiful “muse” she dictated the entire piece with ease. Strong, delicate, dark, light, sparkling, rustic, warm and cool. It’s all there because this muse represents the many sides of a modern, complex woman… the Urban Gypsy. Staying completely in character, this inspired necklace was crafted in California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. To prove that we can be on the go and do what we have to do without giving up our inner artistic nature. This necklace says, “You can live in a 100mph life and STILL be in touch with your creative soul.”

Laura Bracken's Blog about Jewelry, Metal Clay, and Life

Having never entered a bead competition or really even designing my own piece, I was hesitant but ordered a kit just to see what the muse would be. I was delighted with the muse and immediately started pondering how to use it. Then I saw a photo of President Obama receiving the King Abdul Aziz Order of Merit, a “friendship” necklace, from King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. What an inspiration and the wheels started turning. Just imagine the peace and friendship around the world if we were all beaders! The best to everyone.

The Muse told me it was all about spirals. I tried to resist by brainstorming other designs, but I knew in this was the right design. I also thought the Swarovski crystals were a statement unto themselves and should be highlighted. I only had to add a couple small Swarovski crystals to complete the focal area. The spiral rope then flows naturally out of either side of the focal area. I often add embedded elements to my spiral rope designs and was excited to use the Swarovski pearls in this way. I felt the only way to finish this elegant necklace was with a maracasite toggle.

Firepan Jewellery

I named my entry "Juneau Muse" since that is where I was inspired. The colors I used remind me of the different shades of blue of the water and sky here. I picked the beads from both what came in the kit and what I felt brought the pendant to life. My “Use The Muse II” entry is the result of combining pearls, swarovski crystals, seed beads, ocean blue rondells and an aquamarine clasp on wiggle wire. The pattern in the pendant inspired my first use of wiggle wire and it was great fun.

See my entry from USE THE MUSE I

My piece is inspired by the ocean! A vintage Swarovski Crystal Rivoli is added to the Muse and bezel set in the center. I connected it with a star fish like design on the back of the Muse to the bezel around the Muse, for a little more interest. The 6 circles that make up the sides of my bracelet are made with a circular brick stitch. I then placed them in a wave like pattern. One end of the clasp is a flat circle peyote stitch and the toggle end is a circular peyote tube with Swarovski Crystals.

Pink Pooch Designs Blog

My necklace was inspired by my love of gardening. I started by pulling colors from the Muse donut shell and created several lampwork beads. Initially the light blue stumped me, but I combined two colors of glass to create the flowers to match. Then I made the cross-hatched, beaded beads with complementary colors. I had never made an asymmetrical piece before, but the Muse insisted on standing out on her own. I decorated her with her own matching lampwork bead and ta da, here is the finished piece. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did making it.

Half Moon Beads

For me, the muse didn’t just speak, it sang. And what I heard were the tinkling bells and exotic strummings of the Far East. I had a vision of ancient Moroccan halls with tiles decorated in blue swirls, filled with opulent tapestries and whirling dancers. The etched blue swirls and subtle ochre tones of the muse inspired the design for my pendant. I wrapped the muse delicately in sterling silver wire – not easy with such a thin shell! – and added filigree that mimics the swirl pattern. Pearls and crystals swing free like the dancers. Dancing with bells in Marrakesh.

See more beautiful jewelry by Rhonda Chase at her website

A small artist stamp I received from a friend came into my vision. The renaissance image inspired me to create this little fabric wearable. I didn't think too much about how I beaded the image, I had a great time sewing and adding the color groupings over a few evenings. I started the final assembly, I decided I liked the back of the Muse more than the front! So I attached it the way you see. I usually repurpose necklaces in order to complete something like this, so I did find something in my stash partially completed. I used some of the crystals and a small rhinestone bracelet and my necklace was done.

Carmi's Art/Life World

My sisters wedding was scheduled to be on July 18Th, same as the entry deadline. When I saw the Muse, I knew it would make a perfect piece of jewelry for me to wear to the wedding which was on the beach. I bezelled a swarovski ravoli into the center hole of the muse, and then bezelled the muse. The strap is R.A.W. with some surface embellishment. I finished it off with a beaded toggle. My goal was to try and use at least 1 of every bead in the kit, and I succeeded(you just cant see the 4mm white pearls)!

Libeado Beadwork

The arabesque pattern overlaid on shell background made me think of ocean waves and the misty spray as they roll and break, offering its gems. In the Pacific NW, the ocean comes inland in the form of rain. Thus I paired the muse with a shell hairstick and a cascade of ocean rain with the pearls representing as yet unborn "Muses." Two challenges with this project: buy/use no additional beads; and try to use square sterling silver wire, creating coils at the bottom of the drops emulating the curl of ocean waves, echoing the arabesque pattern on the Muse.

After much trial and error, I chose this piece as my entry because it looked the coolest! I manipulated the silk ribbon into flowers and leaves, added a few beads from my stash, and inked and painted the clasp to match. It’s kind of sexy don’t you think?

See my winning entry from USE THE MUSE I

In perfect harmony, blue and cream are intertwined in an eternal dance. Together they lead and follow, twist and turn, with a rhythm known only to themselves. I found the muse using me. Only a spiral would do, beginning and ending-only to begin again. I worked with Toho bugles and Miyuki seed beads; Swarovski bicones, pearls, and a rivoli-eager to have the journey end so that I could look upon her with awe. Blue and cream, I saw, were two halves of a woman’s heart. Though her past and present are intertwined, the crystals shine towards a future of possiblites.

Bead Fox's Beaded Beauties

I was busy preparing to for a 3 week trip shortly after my kit arrived. So I packed beads that would go with the focal and a sketchbook. I didn't have a chance to work on it until last Saturday. I settled on the butterfly inspiration. This is my first completed bead embroidery piece. It was more work than I expected, 75 hours. I used laborodite, vintage and current Swarovski crystals, various size 16 seed beads and picasso beads all embroidered onto Lacys Stiff Stuff. My inspiration was the art deco movement. Thanks for the opportunity to show it off!

My baby girl's middle name is Violette. The colours included in the kit reminded me of her the second I saw them. When I saw the ribbon I could see in my head that it should be twisted into silver chain. I wanted to add a few random things that also reminded me of my daughter so I added Handmade lampwork beads{Sue Beads}, purple crystals, rose quartz and included all these beaded or wire wrapped in more twists and turns. The muse is linked by wired beads tied off at the back.

The Grand Finale!! The Big Reveal!! Use the Muse II is finally finished!!

My Muse didn't speak until she was sure I was not going to add beads of another colour. What she had traveled with is what she wanted to surround herself with, especially as she was far from her home country. She finally convinced me not to add a cream or neutral colour to match her colours but instead she wanted to shine and be 'different' to the rest of the necklace. Being 'The Diva' that she is she didn't mind a splash of sterling silver and now it is her time to shine.

When I first held the Muse piece I found myself thinking of the Amida Waterfall print by Japanese Artist Katsushika Hokusai. While thinking about ideas I came across the carved koi fish and knew what to do. I paired the Muse and the koi to create a pond pendant below a crystal and pearl waterfall of beads in hopes of capturing the serene beauty of Hokusai's artwork.

Taffeta Moon

As soon as I saw the muse, I knew I had to pair it with this polymer clay face cab by Jennifer Martin of GraphixOutpost. I started by attaching the face cab to stiffened felt, then stitched down the pearls around the face. It is backed with Ultrasuede and secured around the edges with size 8/0 beads. The 2 smaller Swarovski crystals were added to every other bead around the edge leaving extra room to attach the fringe at the bottom and the beaded attachment at the top. The 24” necklace is a spiral rope.

GraceBeading

See my entry from USE THE MUSE I

The seafoam colors etched into the shell of the Muse along with the sheen of the freshwater pearls seemed appropriate for a mermaid's bracelet. In thinking of the Little Mermaid, the stormy sea colors of the seed beads represent her turmoil as her prince marries another and breaks her heart. The shape of this Muse, a circle, is our reminder that love is eternal. And with that thought, I included a single sky-blue crystal to represent a ray of light to guide us back to love when we fall onto somber times.

Read More About Linda's Design Here

When I opened the box I knew right away the ribbon had to be used. I over-loaded the one side with gilt lined light beads to contrast with the dark blue provided. It provided the ripple effect I was looking for. I love the color orange, but am not able to wear it but in accents, perfect match for the color scheme sent. I like the idea of the lariat so I am able to wear it at any length appropriate with my clothing. I can also use it as an hair adornment. I only used one square bead, all the rest of the kit was used to the fullest. I will do this again...thanks!

My goal was to stick to the colors in the kit and not to over think the process My first try? Well I really only ended up Abusing the Muse. Yikes! My second? I was in danger of completely losing the muse. Double Yikes! Finally, ideas from both melded, and I came up with my final design. Phew! Once I stopped thinking too much the beads started to dance for me. I used some tiny topazes and 22K seeds that had been waiting for just this occasion and everything “Cascaded” from my needle, onto my thread and into my design.

This collar was beaded using bead embroidery on non-woven backing, stitching two beads down at a time. This piece took 46 hours to complete and I started it on July 10, 2009! It is backed with soft leather that is attached to the backing with invisible stitches. Materials used were The Muse, mother-of-pearl, freshwater pearls, vintage glass ovals, firepolish, drops, and seed beads. The Muse was my inspiration that said "collar!". I have been a bead artist and author for 40 years.

The minute I saw the Muse I knew that I wanted to encase it in copper filigree. I used 8s to attach the front and back and encircled the muse with crystals. I totally had no idea where the beads would take me, but I am happy with the result.

Please visit my blog

When the Muse arrived, I had to change my thinking about what I was going to create. The light and airy quality of the muse reminded me of summer gardens and waterfalls.

Anne Pomeroy Dixon's blog

The muse sang to me of simple, natural beauty and the harmonies in nature. Using the Lillypilly mother of pearl as my focus, I added blue dyed mother of pearl rectangle beads from my local bead store, a piece of leftover silver plated chain and toggle and clasp from my best friend's necklace project and the pearls and blue seed beads from the kit. It is dedicated to my husband, Thomas, who is recovering from surgery and has always been my muse.

The beautiful purples and blues remind me of midnight. When you consider the beautiful Swarovski "stars" surrounding the pendant, I saw moon and stars in a beautiful midnight sky. This piece is both casual and elegant with the use of shell, ribbon, frosted dark beads, and twinkling Swarovski crystal. The clasp is a small silver piece with a leaf and flower design. I love how this necklace brings the Midnight Moon image to mind as I walk the sandy beach.

The box arrived with so many different textures and shade to explore. And the muse…very lovely and reminded me of old wallpaper patterns from the 50’s. This particular pattern reminded me of my Grandmother’s house. The more I looked, the more I kept turning it upside down, I guess because my life has been a little upside down lately. The muse was just calling for sparkle and what better than one of my Grandmother’s old earrings. So the finished project involves 2 strands, one of beads and sparkle and one of soft look of pearls and pearl knotting.

Muse in a box

Excited to be entering the contest, I gave a lot of thought to the Muse as well as other items in the kit. Since my passion is freeform, I decided to do it in freeform style, incorporating daggers representing dragonflies which are also my passion and have a very special, spiritual meaning to me. I used many different types of seed beads, including “peanut” beads which were so much fun as edgings! Since the Muse is the special part of this work I wanted it to be special, hence, the vintage Swarovski rivoli in the middle, surrounded by flashing bicones!

The beautiful ribbon took center stage when I wrapped sterling silver wire with pearls,crystals and seed beads to make a bead in it self. The soft blue in the Muse Lillypilly Design pendant I matched with my blue etched lampwork beads. I paired them with square purple etched beads from a local bead store. Sterling Silver wire wrapped the beads added silver chain and a Sterling Silver handmade clasp.

Pam's blog "Wait Just one more bead" for more designs"

See my entry from USE THE MUSE I

I loved the kit's color palette of beads and wanted to incorporate as many of them as I could in my piece and was inspired by the Muse's delicate Fleur-de-Lis pattern. But after much experimentation that left the poor MUSE overwhelmed, I was guided by "Less is More". In the end, I combined the kit's tiny pearls and milky blue Swarovski crystals with twisted sterling silver noodles from my stash to create a simple necklace that hints at the curves of Fleur-de-Lis and highlights the MUSE. For a little bling, I added a crystal and pearl dangle.

See my entry fron USE THE MUSE I

The romantic curves of the muse helped inspire me to design Blue Moon Romance. I used soft wire to let the muse guide the shapes curves and final design. No design of mine is complete without some dangle and bling.

Visit DivineBrilliance.com

This amusing little muse gave me the inspiration that I needed to create my first necklace – a beautifully beaded crochet necklace featuring shades of blue, sterling silver and crystal. Three beaded crochet ropes are joined together and finished with a sterling silver toggle and the pretty muse pendant. Mini seed beads and dark blue Swarovski crystals create the six row pattern center rope; sterling silver and a larger blue metallic bead are crocheted in a three row pattern for the two side ropes and are joined together using two crystal rondelles with a large faceted crystal donut in the middle.

I focused on shades of blue and warm platinums. Combinations of platinum pearls, blue czech glass, seed beads and crystals were woven through a chain to create a "scrolled" design. More embellishments with leaves and flowers were used to complete the calm tone of the necklace. The center of the focal bead was filled with leaves and flowers that appear to be "blooming". These beads were sewn onto a beading disc that was attached to the back of the focal. I completed the necklace with a simple strand of elegant platinum pearls and crystals.

My first inspiration was to enhance the Muse with iridescent duochromatic color-shifting pigments that go from aqua-purple-blue. I used brick stitch variations to follow the tranquil river past sunny patches of grass, including whatever bead, pearl, or crystal that called my name to join my journey. My life has been extremely difficult this year. I see myself resting on the sunny grass watching the aqua/purple river meander by. Although I didn't include the silk ribbon, it provided color inspiration for my piece. Much prettier in real life the photos barely capture the iridescence colors & crystals in this piece.

I was very excited to order the Muse II kit, as I loved the colors and the variation of components—crystals, pearls, seed beads and that beautiful ribbon! Yet when my kit arrived and I uncovered the muse, I realized that I had to stay true to her colors and delicate nature. Her aqua scrolling and mother-of-pearl iridescence led me to use off-white, pale blue and aqua seed beads, mini pearls, and Swarovski crystals in an open-weave design. It was a lot of fun to work with such lovely beads!

I call this “The Necklace of Misty Memories” because it appears to be made of cherished mementos. The pearls, crystals and seed beads woven into the antiqued brass chain look as though each might have been part of jewelry inherited from a cherished aunt or grandmother. Carefully preserved, those small tokens were saved and lovingly preserved in this necklace. Complementing “The Muse” nicely is one of my handmade lampwork glass Frost Links in a transparent grey-blue. The Frost Link is tumble-etched and lends a soft feel to the entire necklace, allowing all those sweet memories to come flooding back.

Cindy's work is available on her website

The Lillypilly pendant is reminiscent of soft blue summer skies that beckon the birds to leave their perches (the pewter branch) and take flight. Puffs of clouds are represented by the lampwork discs and the labradorite chips whisper the approach of rain in the distance. The crystals reflect the angles of the sun as it moves across the sky.

I gave myself three personal challenges for this piece. The first was inspired by the Muse. I really wanted to incorporate the lacy filigree etched on the shell into the embroidery. It reminded me of the henna designs I painted in the past. The second was incorporating the large bicones into the focal piece. I’ve always shied away from bicones; unsure of how they would lay in an embroidered piece, however I’ve discovered they’re not only beautiful, they’re a lot of fun too. The final challenge was to balance the complicated beadwork with a simply strung necklace. I’m very happy with the results.

Heather's blog where I show off works in progress.

The Mermaid’s Desire has been created from the inspiration of the Muse piece. The piece brings images of beautiful beaches and blue-green water. The necklace is 24 inches long. It has been created with beadweaving and tatting techniques. The beautiful beaded bead accentuates the focal bead which has been encased in a piece created from the vintage art of tatting. The art of creating beautiful items with thread has been passed down in my Cajun family for more than three generations. I am proud to use this craft to carry on the traditions of my family’s rich culture.

Here is a link to my Etsy store!

Intricate and delicate was my first impression of the muse and then she told me a tale of her watery past, having graced the neck of a powerful mermaid empress. Crafted of materials likening those that might have been available to a merfolk artisan, individually cross-woven crustaceous blooms of sea foam, pearls and precious bits of red coral are caught up with the muse in a filigree net of sunken treasure, returning the muse to her place amongst merfolk nobility at the most extravagant of ocean gatherings.

Delicately pale-periwinkle carved dragonflies and golden honey bees surrounded in resin circles are adorned in tiny seed beads, crystals, and freshwater pearls. They float along a twisting silver chain enhanced by a soft blue-purple ribbon connected to the clasp. The attached pendant is a patterned donut cut made of shell, draped with tiny deep smoky-blue seed beads and finished at the ends with pearls, crystals, metallic squares, and glass teardrops. The ribbon and bezel cups are recycled from the lids and bottoms of the tiny tubes that held the beads used in the necklace. Measures 30” long plus 3” pendant.

Handcrafted beaded jewelry made with precious and semi-precious beads and stones

"Dusk in a Creole Garden" was inspired by the scrollwork on the Muse. It reminded me of New Orleans courtyard gardens. I machine embroidered silk fabric as a base for the courtyard using the Muse as a centerpiece overflowing with flowers. Lush fringe mimics the overblown beauty of the gardens with a cube bead path leading from one area to the next. The silk necklace is finished with beaded silk bells to add to the opulance. As I worked, the colors spoke to me of dusk in a New Orleans courtyard surrounded by warmth and beauty.

This piece reminded me of pixies dancing in the light. Perhaps because of the whimsical charms that are attached to the sterling silver twisted chain and the delicate nature of the Muse. The sparkling glow of the Swarovski crystals represent the light. I absolutely love Swarovski crystals and incorporated the ones included in my kit and added some yellow jonquil rounds, some small blue bicones, and a wonderful Jonquil pendant to tie in the colors of the Muse itself. Silver balls, delicate pearls, and some bali spacers and bead caps rounded out the design nicely.

Read More About Zur Designs' Entry

When I first laid eyes on this muse and kit, only one thought came to mind: the plumage of a peacock. The array of brilliant colors from head to tail, the train in full display, and the colorful eyes of each feather give this bird an exotic look. Taking these elements and working with new techniques, I aspired to design something as elegant as this majestic creature. Wire weave for the silver bail and cones, Swarovski elements, Czech glass, silver chain, and seed beads all played a part, enabling this piece to take flight.

I was inspired by the colors of the beads in the kit which I kept out on my table for several days. I felt captivated by the combo of my handmade ceramic toggle clasp, ceramic flower bead, and my wrapped hand made felt bead next to the elegance of the shell pendant and crystals. I liked mixing peyote with the wire wrapped felt bead and using a beaded loop to the make the transition. Using the colorfull ribbon was also a new experience and I loved the way it made me feel free and open to experiment.

I was drawn to the icy swirls and arctic blue of the muse. The ice floe is littered with ancient rocks and ice and flows from the mountains to the sea collecting all in its wake. It culminates in an explosion of ice in to the sea, wind whipping up eddies of foam and spray. The arctic sun beats down with ivory intensity and the wind surges. Freeform Peyote, embroidery, fringing and threading. I used everything, and added seedies, lampwork and cord.

You’re walking along a deserted Caribbean beach early in the morning, taking in the rich blue color of the sky and ocean and searching in the sand for beach treasures: shells, pearls, sea glass, jewels and scraps of metal. When other people start to arrive, you collect your bounty and go inside for a lazy breakfast. You look through your new found treasures and think of the perfect way to create a permanent memento of the exhilarating experience – you create an Azure Sea Treasure necklace.

I was inspired by many of the current designers ready to wear labels in department stores to create this 36 inch gold mixed chain style necklace. The pearls lend to the feminity of the piece while the crystals mix it up a bit. All pearls would have been too drab but the crystals add a flair that timeless pearls lack. The muse itself draws the eye to the three major components; chains, pearls, and crystals. I added the ribbon to the opposite juncture between the two types of chain to give it a punk vibe.

Learn More

When I saw the Muse in my Kit, it reminded me a garden with a pond in the middle sourrounded by lilies. The pond is a skyblue Rivoli surrounded by cristals and firepolished beads beaded into the hole of the Muse by RAW. The lilies leading the way to the pond are made from Swarovski and Czech cristal bicones, Japanese seed beads 11, which were available in my dash and in the Kit. I intended to emphasize the softness and beauty of the Muse by using the soft coloured Czech bicones as intermediaters between the lilies”

Ilona's blog

I was in love from a first side with this Muse! Mother-of-pearl in pale shades with filigree ornament told me to use only friendly colores and special shapes. So I added some petal elements and pure swarowsky bead to the center. Clear czek beads helped me to fetch Muse out. This is very musical creation, like a blues :-)

My LiveJournal

This piece was inspired by the wonderful descriptions of the Al Hambra palace and the story of Katherine of Aragon's childhood that I read in Phillpa Gregory's book The Constant Princess. This was an exceedingly difficult piece for me, the Muse came in a shape that I never work with, it was a challenge for me to do it justice.

See my entry from USE THE MUSE I

As I opened the muse box I was surprised to see the beautiful silk ribbon in various hues. This became the center theme of my necklace. I used the freeform peyote stitch along with fringe and netting. This is the piece I have been waiting for -- my collection of dragonflies needed to take flight. I could see them flittering up and down the beautiful ribbon chasing after Swarovski pearl blossoms and glittering light. This was truly a challenge for me and it was a pleasure to be led by a dragonfly to... "the Muse".

The pale yellow and blue tones of the muse reminded me of the beautiful combination of sun and water we see in nature. It’s so refreshing when a stream of warm, glowing sun rays shine through a light summer rainfall. In “Sun Shower”, the large blue crystals, Czech fire polished glass and seed beads highlight the muse and the carry the tones of raindrops and sunshine through the necklace. Pale gold glass pearls bring the piece alive and unite the composition. Gold plated wire guards, crimp covers and a toggle clasp complete the double-stranded necklace with detail and care.

My Beading Art

I wanted to use as much of the kit as possible and I wanted the pendant to be the focal point and the beaded portion of the necklace to be the supporting aspect of the piece. I did not want a heavy look and I wanted to combine stringing and bead weaving with the gorgeous ribbon. I felt spiral rope would be a great way to showcase the beads in the kit and the second strand of fresh water pearls was a nice addition to the necklace. I went with silver for the findings to compliment my “Misty” theme.

Jean Hutter's Beading Blog

I labored over even entering because I am slightly new to jewlery design. But I love it....The beads I recieved just truly looked like a lavender tone haze to me..At the last minute I wanted to change the whole thing but lacked time........I did love it when I tried it on though. At 67 years old ,this is a whole new adventure for me.

The muse is embellished with a crystal rivoli set in a peyote bezel, attached with a peyote support which is stitched behind the muse. This gives the rivoli the appearance of security in the center of the muse. Beadweaving techniques used include peyote, right angle weave, ndebele and bead embroidery. A playful lampwork disk made by Bluehealer Beads was added for some great color and pizazz. The use of rings of beads for the piece was developed to compliment the shape of the muse and to showcase it as a focal point.

See my winning entry from USE THE MUSE I

The circular muse, symbol of past, present, and future reminds that what was once in the future is now in the past and shall be so forever. The muse, used as a toggle closure, hangs from simple gold chain of interlocking circles. The toggle bar consists of two crystals, (the past, the future), balanced on a wire covered with seed beads. A third crystal, (the present), hangs from the end of the chain. All crystals are of equal size reminding us that all aspects are of equal importance; however the present has more prominence than past and future.

I've always been one to think outside the box and then take a giant leap outside of it. So, it wasn't a surprise when I saw the muse and thought, "I wish it was teal." I had to get creative but wanted to keep it simple. The next thing I know I am painting "the muse" a teal color to go with my new teal pearls. These dreamy colors made up my "Teal Sogno".

Check out "Teal Sogno" here

A Mermaid happened upon a treasure trove. She created a lasting memory of her find- Lillypilly etched seashell with scroll work that intrigued her, Swarovski crystals that shone colors of her deep blue sea, pearls she had never seen before, so she stashed them away and gave up her hoard of a different shade, teensy tinsy beads, and luscious square beads. She dove down to her private stash, careful no one was lurking above, and pulled out complimentary beads. So it was that she strung three tiers of these precious treasures and tied them all together with a ribbon.

The shell pendant is so lovely I wanted it to be the focal point of my piece. I also wanted to pick up on the subtle coloring of the pendant, the yellows and pinks that glow in the light. I added these colors, plus a delicate green, to create a fringe necklace. Two techniques I used to build body to the fringe were a netted leaf and a pearl beaded with brick stitch and picots. I'm so happy with the outcome. It just sings to me and feels as rhythmic as the oceans that the shell came from.

Susan's bead blog

The Muse made me think of Mandalas. I use mandalas for meditation. Using them for meditation are simple. Just look at it without staring and without thinking about it. Let your gaze be gentle and soft. Allow yourself to blink normally. When you are looking at a mandala, the only thing you should be doing is looking. Not thinking, daydreaming, visualizing or planning your next date. Eventually, your eyes tire. Close them and keep “looking” at the mandala in your mind’s eye. What I created was what I saw in my mind’s eye.

Link to the Muse on Barb Kowalik's website

I am a long time bead weaver. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. When I first saw the muse it cried out to me for something to go on top. So I thought a rivoli. When I checked my stash for one that would match, the starfish was the next thing to call out to me. When I put them together, the muse said copper. And there you have Starfish Bay.

Nancy K's Blog

My first impression was to use the ribbon, platinum pearls and crystals. I incorporated 2 of my own because I thought they matched. That is the seed beads and the tanzanite round crystals. The muse is dressed up with seed beads and dangling seed beads with the bicones and crystals attached. The ribbon has a scalloped seed beads and the repeat dangling crystals and bicones. For more attraction I used the pearls in the ribbon. The ribbon has no beads on the end to help tie whatever length is needed.

Cthings

Blue Swirl Earrings is my first ever submission to a jewelry/beading contest. At first I was attempting to make a necklace. The pendant I came up with was great but I could never figure out how I would attach it to a necklace so I finally made a copy and then I cut it apart. After attempting another necklace pendant combo I gave up and went to what I love to make: earrings. I cut that great shell Muse pendant in half, smoothed the edges and created what I hope is a fun but elegant pair of earrings.

Handcrafted Beaded Jewelry and Ring Holders

I was inspired by Sleeping Beauty (Briar Rose was her name). In color and pattern, the Muse reminded me of the hedge of thorns that became a maze of flowers in the fairy tale. I decided to transform the Muse into a "compass rose" and encased it in a 32-point fine silver ring and base that I made from PMC3. I used pearls and crystals from the kit to create the box, giving the edge and top a jeweled appearance. I placed a coral rose in the center, and a flat-backed crystal indicates true North, where the heart lies.

For more information, please visit Melissa's blog here.

A vision of the Goddess Liathita sprang from the contents of the Muse Kit. The undulating form and colors evoked moving water and my love of beads. I created a fiber body embellished with the Muse, crystals, pearls and seed beads. From my stash, I added an opaline cab, bugles and additional seed beads. A peyote ruffle and bead embroidery provide visual interest and texture. For versatility, I incorporated a brooch/necklace finding in the design. 4" X 21/2"

Read about Sally Lewis, View her work

I named my design the Purist because I only used items included in the kit. The silk ribbon is fused together with stitch witchery. It is very comfortable to wear and can be tied at different lengths.

When I first saw the Muse I thought, “What a pretty pendant!” My next thought was, “What else can this be?” That is when I got my idea to make a hair comb. I made the “blossom” without a pattern; I threaded the crystals and pearls together until the flower was as sparkling and beautiful as I could imagine. The “leaves” are angled so that the hair comb can be worn horizontally or vertically. In addition to the bead kit, I used lavender, light sapphire, and Montana Swarovski crystals and a dark purple Swarovski crystal pearl.

My online jewelry shop

Loved the colors. Just used the beads for inspiration. It just "made" itself, though it did change once I started putting the beads together. The final piece surprised me with its simplicity and beauty. It is 26 inches around and the ends of the silk ribbon hold the four largest Swarovski crystals. I did use a few other seed beads in putting the beaded part together, which surrounds the ribbon. There is no need for a connection, since it is long enough to slip over anyone's head.

The Muse reminds me of magic. I have a young daughter, so there's much magic in our home. I knew the Muse should be wire wrapped with using swirls. In New England, there are tiny snails called periwinkles that leave tracks in the sand that swirl about. They leave their shells only to be found and placed in the fairy houses in our yard. The charms on the necklace represent these periwinkles and also the fairies' spells. The Muse is periwinkle in color, like the flower. Wear this breezy summer necklace - and find your day is filled with magic.

Bead Chaos

Seaside Stroll was created using "the muse", a Lillypilly pendant, embellished with a swarovski rivoli that has been surrounded by seed beads, crystals and pearls. The necklace was created with seed beads using the twisted herringbone stitch and embellished with crystals. The colors used in the necklace remind me of the ocean and the pendant reminded me of ocean waves, thus the name seaside stroll was born. I enjoyed designing and creating this piece, it is my first contest entry!

Sulietop is a combination of my three muses, a.k.a. guinea pigs, Suji, Julie and Topping- beautiful, creative women. I wanted to use the pattern on the muse as a foundation while keeping my guinea pigs, I mean! muses in mind. In breaking down the pattern to it's own foundation, I ended up with the curved line. From there came the rays and Sulietop Sunspray.

thelaughingmoonnyc.com

When I first saw the muse I knew it was all about her. Since she exuded elegance I knew I wanted to enhance it and not overwhelm it. As I was staring at my tool box I happened to place it next to some peach colored beads and the beach just came to me. Using basic stringing techniques I did my best to enhance the muse while keeping minimalist and elegant. To keep the beach appeal I used seashells from my stash and a leather cord that adjusts to the desired length for versatility.

This was an “amusing” project; it got me out of my box. I call this A-mused X4 because it has 1) 4 different stitches: flat spiral, herringbone, peyote and net; 2) 4 different sizes and colors of over 200 crystals including 14 mm rivoli, 4mm, 3mm and 2mm; 3) 4 different colors of pearls, and lastly; 4) 4 different colors of size 15 beads. Of course no necklace would be complete if it didn’t have the bracelet, earrings and ring to go with it. The leaves on the necklace were inspired by a leaf pattern of Margo Field’s

I used many of the beads that came with the kit, as well as some of my own. I had many to choose from, since purples and lavenders are my favorite colors. I started out with a semi-random design and then replicated it for symmetry. I like the delicate nature of the necklace. Adding the two chains with crystals gives the piece some flair. I thank my mother for her ideas and critical eye.

I am a mostly self-taught weekend bead stringer with a little loom weaving on the side. I buy beads because I love them. My inspiration for making something is usually to make a gift for a family member or friend. This contest appealed to me because I loved the idea of being given a piece and having to do something with it. The words "wearable art" were daunting to me but the whole experience was a lot of fun. Thanks for the opportunity to stretch my imagination.