Reveal Day - The Vocal Focal

It's finally here!  The day we all reveal the 'vocal focal' we received from our partners.  What a great idea this was, even if I do say so myself.  *smile*  I plan to host a similar swap every three months.

After I'd paired everyone up and sent out the notices, a latecomer asked to participate also.  Not wanting to exclude anyone, I asked her if she minded being my partner.  She seemed quite happy with that prospect.  So, that is how I ended up with two partners.  Two parnters means I have TWO fabulous focal beads to share with you.

The first one to arrive in my mailbox was from Rhonda.  This fun, colourful lampwork bead was made by an artist from the Austin, TX area.  Her name is Connie Quimby.  I love the bright yellow and orange against the snow white background. 

I've searched through my bead stash and found some with matching colours.  Who knew there were so many shades of white though?  It wasn't as easy to find white beads that would work with the focal.  See below for what I've gathered together so far.  I can't decide if I want to string a necklace on nylon cord or try my hand at creating a wire work piece.  I'll do some preliminary experiments with both techniques this weekend.

My second focal, from Andra, came in the mail this week.  This natural stone bead is spectacular!  It's quite large too, about 2.5" at its largest point.  There is a hole that goes the whole way through it.  I love working with semi-precious gemstones and I'm thinking that some fluorite or amethyst beads will match up with it quite nicely. 

Andra, I'm sure, would turn such a lovely bead into one of her fabulous bead embroidery centrepieces.  You must check out some of her creations on her blog.  They are intricate and beautiful masterpieces.  I will probably create a very minimalist piece with this focal.  I mean, the wonderful focal speaks well on its own.  I don't think it needs too much else to highlight it.

Even though I specified to send ONE focal bead only, both my partners sent me a few little extras.  Thanks to both of you.  They will come in handy for future projects.  This has been great fun!  I hope you will all participate next time.

See a list of the participants below and be sure to visit all the blogs to see what they received too.

Cindy Wimmer
http://www.sweetbeadstudio.com/
Ginger Bishop
http://www.lilmummylikes.blogspot.ca/

Bonnie Coursolle
http://jaspersgems.blogspot.ca/
Andra Weber
http://www.andrasjoyfuljourney.blogspot.com/

Renetha Stanziano
http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/
Lori Finney
http://lori-finney.blogspot.ca/

Shirley Moore
http://www.beadsandbread.blogspot.ca/
Kashmira Patel
http://sadafulee.blogspot.com/

Maybeline Tay
http://thejewelrylarder.blogspot.com/
Dee Torcherer Elgie
http://www.cherryobsidia.blogspot.co.uk/

Bonnie Coursolle
http://jaspersgems.blogspot.ca/
Rhonda Baird
http://dizzyinchains.wordpress.com/