Friday, November 14, 2014

Beadweaving :: Simple Peyote

I picked up quite a few sets of seed beads at Beadfest this year (you can see the loot to the right here); including a few strings of wonderful earthy beige and a hank of Picasso seed beads. The Picasso beads have been all the rage lately, as I hear everyone talking about them. But they are quite a bit more expensive for some reason. Frankly they look like all those beads I spill on my bead table and don't get around to sorting. I do really love the mixture of color, and I might just need to do my own mix!


This simple peyote pattern actually started with the beautiful center carnelian piece. I have a few of them sitting on my bead table that I've definitely been hoarding for some time. My friend Christine gifted them to me, and I love them. I think Carnelian ranks right up there as one of my absolutely favorite stones. I absolutely love it's rich, honey tone. I could not resist showcasing the photos of the bracelet draped over a rock. Anyone who knows Christine knows that she'd approve of this maneuver.

I wanted to do something different. Unique. But wasn't exactly sure what, and it took me quite a while to come up with the pattern. Sometimes the simple patterns take the longest to figure out as the understated can be quite dramatic. It makes me think of my hairdresser. I know .. I'm down a rabbit hole. But stay with me for a minute, and I'll explain. So I always thought ... how hard can it be? I have stick straight hair ... all you need to do is cut it in a straight line. But I've heard people cut my hair over the years and mumble under their breathe because every snip shows up. And in fact I have seen people struggle to cut my hair as it is harder to have it look like a clean cut, or not have a few pieces hang down if I part my hair slightly off from center (as I typically do).  I guess simple patterns are the same. Any small stitch out of place, or slightly different color of a bead, or even slightly irregular shape or size ... shows up. Can anyone see the spirit beads in this piece?

I ended up with a 2 row chevron pattern of Picasso beads alternating with the earthy beige. I did a drop stitch at the ends creating a triangle so it would roll around the center piece. I kinda love the softness of that look. I'm going to have to do that again, for sure. I also grabbed a set of Melinda Orr's leather snap ends (man I love these) and punched a couple of holes to bead right into. I had to laugh as I explained to my bead buddy Linda Younkman that I had left the string exposed when I attached the beading to the leather. I think she asked me twice, maybe it was 3 times if I really left it exposed. LOL, yes. I like the rustic, boho (aka 'didn't tuck in my shirt) look.

The piece fits like an old worn in baseball mitt. Truly. I was afraid the carnelian hoop would feel uncomfortable, but the beading around it gives it some swing in the pattern. I still have 2 more of these carnelian pieces to play with. But this one; it must return to Christine. I channeled her through the entire pattern. In the end is was earthy, had a touch of native flare, and just a bit of Colorado. 

And another one of my beady friends, Linda, was off doing her thing with peyote. Check out these stunning variations where she simply played with the size of the bead. She also included a tutorial for those of you that would like to try your hand at a simple, and classic peyote beadweaving stitch. Sometimes the simple can create the dramatic. You definitely rock Linda! You can see this article (include my simple peyote bracelet) in this month's issue of Bead Chat Magazine.



17 comments:

  1. This is absolutely perfect Cynthia! The colours, the pattern, the carnelian... gorgeous! Hmmm, spirit beads... the triangular finish?

    Oh, and I would LOVE your recipe, yum!

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  2. Ooh...what a gorgeous piece!! I love the pops of green and turquoise mixed in with tan :) And I love that hoop as a focal!

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  3. Love it!!! I love those leather snaps. They are perfect with the carnelian and the peyote.

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  4. Oh I've got one of those carnelian rings from Christine too! I love this so much! The colors are wonderful and it looks very wearable.

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  5. I love the chevron design and those Picasso beads!
    This would make a cool watch band too!

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  6. Love this piece and the combo of seed beads you used with the carnelian focal. The addition of the leather snap closure was the perfect ending. Thanks for the shout of for my tutorial in Bead Chat Mag.

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  7. I don't know how to do peyote so it doesn't look simple to me! It looks stunning though!

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  8. Absolutely sensational! You have nailed the Bohemic earthy tones perfectly with this design. Love the leather snaps! Beautifully done.

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  9. Lovely bracelet . Truly stunning :)

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  10. Oh, Cynthia, I loooveeee this bracelec, it's just perfect!! The combination of the carnelian, the colors, the leather clasp ... they sing in a beautiful harmony!!
    Alenka

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  11. Linda's Peyote Designs are fantastic ~ I am especially smitten with the bottom photo...what great texture and color choices!
    This carnelian/leather/picasso/peyote bracelet...I still am speechless in its design, vibe, and execution then completely lost my words when you gave it to me. It fits like it was made for me...fancy that ;-)
    I need to get some of those leather snap ends from Melinda. They add a little something to any bead work.

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  12. Very cool! I love how you worked with the carnelian piece making it a focal point. The bead colors are gorgeous. It looks great in the article with all the other peyote goodies. I got a kick out of your hairdresser story. My hair is fine and super straight. There have been a couple of occasions on my life where I've noticed pieces missed after a hair cut!

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  13. Lovely!!! nice colors!!!
    Have a good week, dear Cynthia!! my g+ for you!!!

    Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

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  14. love the mix of materials! I must get back to some beading...the paint brush has been in my hand lately.

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  15. Beautiful bracelet Cynthia, I love the colors and the Carnelian hoop. You did a good job of channeling Christine in this piece it is so her, I am sure she is going to love it. Is the spirit bead near the point of the top chevron?

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