Saturday, August 16, 2014

Stones :: Beadweaving with Jasper

A jasper focal I had kicking around in my stash for the last year is one that I've been wanting to use, but kept getting distracted with other projects. 

But this focal was calling me, and I've been dreaming about what I'd do with it. I just love it's Southwestern vibe.

I decided that what I really wanted was a necklace that could stand up to the size and substance of that focal. So I pulled out some howlite rounds. The color of sand. Perfect. Substantial, but not too colorful to overwhelm the jasper.

Next I pulled out accent beads in gold that I think brings out the veining in the howlite, and the flecks in the jasper. I really just love the banding in the top half of the focal.

But, what to do? Simple stringing? Multiple strands, or graduated? I just didn't think the focal would hang right. Then it hit me. A classic right angle weave alternating the large howlite with the seed beads. This would give a nice, substantial band for the necklace. 

The pattern was a little lose with the size of the howlite, so I decided to come back through to both tighten it up and add one more row of the gold seed beads that creates beautiful little squares between the larger beads. I had not planned that, but I love how it turned out.

I'm pretty happy with how this one turned out. And absolutely love how it lays when you wear it. I might have to try this pattern again with a different set of colors and stones.

14 comments:

  1. Hi Cynthia,
    The necklace you designed is beautiful. The Howlite beads accent the Jasper pendant perfectly.
    Therese

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  2. This is a stunner. Love that jasper focal and your mix of howalite with it. Using right angle weave is a real challenge for me but you have mastered it. Awesome job.

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  3. This necklace is fantastic! I love the howlite with the jasper! They look perfect together and the necklace really supports the large piece of jasper! Beautiful!

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  4. Gorgeous beadwork Cynthia! I love how it accents that awesome piece of jasper. The stripes on the focal are really unique. It almost looks drawn on!

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  5. This is fabulous!!! I love jasper - all jasper - but the design on this one is so gorgeous! LOVE LOVE LOVE the chain you main which supports this gorgeous focal perfectly!!!

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  6. How innovative! The design looks awesome. I have a few cabs and would love to try this one day!

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  7. Hi Cynthia! This necklace is so pretty. I love the colors and the bead work :)

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  8. So, so beautiful! I love this piece!

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  9. The necklace really complements the jasper focal well. Both in color and in design. Beautiful work!

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  10. What a beautiful design! I love how it lays. I bet that it is really comfortable.

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  11. Thank you Cynthia! I do hope this time around since the kids are older things will be easier! Hugs right back at cha!

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  12. You chose the perfect style for this large stone! I've always loved three stranded necklaces :)

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  13. It is definitely a showstopper. The Jasper focal pendant is stunning with such a unique pattern to it and you matched it up perfectly with the howlite beads.
    I think by adding that extra row of gold seed beads, you've created a wonderful addition to the simple raw stitch. Love it ! :)

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