Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Bead Soup: Avalon :: Priestess of the Isle

This is my final reveal from Kalmbach's Bead Soup with beads from Thistle Beads. This piece is from a pattern that I saw in my favorite inspiration book: Bohemian Inspired Jewelry. I've been eyeing it for awhile and wanted to find just the right elements to pull into this lariat. 

This design is from a beautiful pattern called Flirtation Lariat by Lorelei Eurto. It isn't exactly what she had, but I never follow any pattern exactly as you all know. That is just me. But wow, do I love this pattern. 

The lariat somehow just said medieval to me, and I wanted to put a twist on it. This could be in the Mists of Avalon or perhaps from a Druid inspired outfit. I confess, the story of the Mists of Avalon just took me away to another world. And I could read it over, and over.

If you like fantasy and all the stories about court life, you might want to check this book out if you haven't already read it. It's one of my favorites. It is loosely written around King Arthur's Court, but from a completely different angle. 

For this lariat I used a similar deep rich color, which is similar to what Lorelei used in her pattern in the book. It's a dark wine velvet with wrie wrapped stones, brass findings (leaves, knot, end crimps) and briolettes of lemon quartz. The brass Celtic knot is a 4-sided version with meanings of various earthly elements:
The four directions: North South East West
The four seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
The four elements: Earth Fire Water Air
The four Celtic festivals: Samhain, Beltane, Imbolc, Lughnasadh

The Celtic knots started appearing in history after about 450 AD, but their meaning is often hard to determine because there is little written history on their purpose. There are rumors that this design is a four-leaf clover design - a symbol of good luck, and legends that the four-cornered Celtic knot design was created as a symbol of protection. The Druids were said to believe it was for the four major energies, or Gods, for governing a specific quadrant of the world. These four-cornered emblem were used to invoke these powers for protection (in the home, during battle, etc)

I mentioned in my post last Sunday that I would have a second give away to my readers on Wednesday. If you are interested in throwing your name into the hat please just leave me a comment telling me you want to enter this one.

For those following my recent posts, I am happy to say I still have power and I'm online! While we have trees down in every direction from hurricane Sandy, and lost the fence, it really could have been so much worse. We are safe, dry and online. Thanks for all the many posts and concerns. I'm hoping all you out there across the East Coast and throughout the Northeast corridor made it through the storm without serious damage or much worry. Stay safe!

22 comments:

  1. So glad you made it thru the storm and you are all okay. ♥

    The Avalon book sounds like a great read. I can understand the inspiration for your lariat it's a standout, beautiful.

    Did you embroider the knot, perhaps it was good timing w/protection from the storm...

    I don't know what surprise you have up your sleeve, but please count me in the giveaway.

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  2. This is so pretty! This pattern is one of my favorites from the book, and I love your interpretation. Super sweet!

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  3. So glad you're safe and I love this lariat.

    I do want to thank you for the sweet comment about the games; I was very touched!

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  4. So glad to hear your safe and well, that storm has been a monster. Love the Celtic emblems and the meanings, my family is a mix of Irish and Welsh, and your lariat looks stunning.

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  5. What a great piece! Perfect for fall colors! Please enter me in your giveaway!

    I'm glad to hear you're safe and still online!

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  6. So glad to hear you and your family are okay, Cynthia!
    What a unique lariat necklace. It does indeed have a medieval feel to it. How generous of you to be giving it away... I would love the chance to win it :)

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  7. So glad Sandy has left us, and that you are safe! This is a lovely creation...the velveteen is so lush! nice job!

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  8. This is awesome - I can understand your desire, I have always wanted to make a loomed Lariat ... love your inspiration!

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  9. The lariat is so pretty! It does say medieval but in a modern way!

    I'm glad you are safe from the storm!

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  10. A gorgeous piece of jewelry! I would love to enter your giveaway!!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena
    2012 Artists Series

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  11. Cynthia, thanks for the lovely comments on my blog! I'm so glad you're safe and sounds,..sorry for the trees - that's a bummer. Your lariat necklace is fantastic - love it!! The colors are super and I love anything celtic, especially the history/info you've provided, it really adds to the piece! Beautiful design all around!

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  12. Hi!!! Love the Celtic Know!!! It is very pretty!!! I would love to wear it!!! Thanks for the fun!!!

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  13. I really love the look of those times, hope those drapey dresses come into fashion, nice cover-up for the legs.

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  14. So glad I found your wonderful blog - very, very inspirational. Greetings.

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  15. This piece is so gorgeous Cynthia. I love the use of the velvet. It definately says medieval! Celtic knots are so beautiful. Since I am mostly Irish I have always thought about tattoing one on me but having not quite decided if I am ready to mar my body yet!

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  16. I'd wear this in a flash! Gorgeous. I'm partial to deep jewel tones. Love the ribbon. Great job!

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  17. Gorgeous colors and wonderfully symbolic! This one is a real beauty...but all of yours are :-)

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  18. I tried to see all your last post and they are wonderful!
    I love your creations! I've been on vacation and I accumulate the task ....
    Happy beginning of the new month!!

    Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

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  19. A.MAZE.ING. I'm floored with this lariat! It looks incredible and I'm just tickled with delight that the inspiration for it came from the pages in our book! You are an amazing designer!

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  20. Beautiful! Makes me wish I wore jewelry!

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  21. Mists of Avalon is one of my favorites! That book rocked my 13 year old world!

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