Saturday, May 2, 2015

Leather and Lampworks

I've been playing around with this bracelet for awhile now. Originally I had just the leather and the beautiful lampwork bead (made by Lea Avroch) in this bracelet.

 Man I love this bead. I bid for it in an auction a while back and was out bid (argh!). But then Rita over at Toltec Jewels surprised me with it as a gift! That sneaky girl. 
I hoarded it for more than a year. (Hanging head). Yes it is true. I just couldn't part with it, and I wanted to find the right way to showcase it. It is a large hole bead and I didn't want it to flop around like a class ring on a string. I love the way this blue leather sets off the center of the pattern.

 But it just needed more. Because while the the leather is the right width (with two pieces of cord) it still slides back and forth. I decided I was going to have to break out some seed beads. But I didn't want them to compete with the main attraction. I went very neutral with a pale, silvery grey. I did a quick peyote loop that I made just a tad over sized. I had something in mind. I wanted to lock them in place as a way to 'bumper' the lampwork, and stop it from sliding all over the place. I put in just a few stitches in the center and the whole thing locked just as I thought it might. Oh I love when things work. And bonus! Lea's bead stop shifting about. It actually stays put in the center now. 
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Location Connecticut

20 comments:

  1. Patti VanderbloemenMay 2, 2015 at 5:36 PM

    Now this is a statement bracelet! GORGEOUS! From the color of the seed beads, to the color of the leather, and that LOVELY lampwork bead! What an excellent design!!!

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  2. JoJoMay 2, 2015 at 8:41 PM

    Beautiful job! Don't you love it when projects come together??

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  3. DuniMay 3, 2015 at 3:25 AM

    Awesome! I love how the colour of the leather matches the center of the lampwork bead :)

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  4. LizMay 3, 2015 at 9:56 AM

    What a wonderful story about being outbid on the bead, and then Rita sending it to you. You were meant to have it! I love your solution to the sliding problem, it worked perfectly both solving the physical problem and also enhancing the design.

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  5. Christine AltmillerMay 3, 2015 at 10:08 AM

    A very thoughtful friend you have there :-) You must have been so surprised to see this gorgeous bead show up at your house! The leather color and double cord goes perfectly with the bead. And the subtleness of those bumpers was the perfect solution. Don't you just love it when it ALL works out ~ from outbid right on down to peyote bumpers?!

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  6. Therese's TreasuresMay 3, 2015 at 11:06 AM

    Hi Cynthia,
    Awesome bracelet! Don't you just love it when a plan comes together, from Rita sending you the bead, to your color choices, to an innovative idea, end result beautiful perfection.
    Therese

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  7. AliceMay 3, 2015 at 4:04 PM

    I'm bad about hoarding pretty focals but that bead and your bracelet were meant to be together.

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  8. UnknownMay 3, 2015 at 4:41 PM

    I am glad things worked out :) Lovely center bead that goes nicely with the leather cord. So creative you are!

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  9. Miss Val's CreationsMay 3, 2015 at 6:08 PM

    How gorgeous! Great plan with the stitching. The bead is so unique with that super large hole. I love how perfect the blue in it matches the leather.

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  10. MaryanneMay 3, 2015 at 9:29 PM

    I love this bracelet! The leather is the perfect color for the bead. And, the seed beads are a great addition. A beautiful design.

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  11. NatashalhMay 4, 2015 at 1:11 AM

    Very cool! The peyote stitch sees like magic to me. I tried doing some stuff with seed beads once and I just couldn't get it!

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  12. BeadedTailMay 4, 2015 at 3:02 PM

    What a gorgeous bracelet! I love that bead and you picked the perfect color to enhance it. It's beautiful!

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  13. Shai WilliamsMay 6, 2015 at 2:04 PM

    Oh how beautiful! And you weren't hoarding, you were waiting for the correct dance partners to arrive.

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  14. Almost PreciousMay 6, 2015 at 2:43 PM

    That is an amazing lampwork bead. I can understand why you waited so long before using it in one of your lovely creations.

    The bracelet is perfection and really draws one's attention to that very special bead.

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  15. Marcela GmdMay 7, 2015 at 5:37 AM

    Lovely bracelet!!! great creation!!!
    Have a nice day!!! and my g+ for you!!!:)))

    Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

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  16. aniaMay 7, 2015 at 3:37 PM

    I think its so super item to add to summer looks! Love it!
    xoxo

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  17. The CrankyMay 8, 2015 at 4:32 AM

    Cynthia, you are a genius! I love the way this came together, and your creative solution to the sliding problem. =)

    Gorgeous, stunning, and wonderful!

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  18. Sherry EllisMay 8, 2015 at 1:22 PM

    What a gorgeous bracelet!

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  19. Karin SlatonMay 9, 2015 at 11:36 AM

    You've convinced me that nothing captures the season better than lampwork + leather. Add a bit of peyote and you have summertime perfection!

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  20. AnnaMay 9, 2015 at 1:13 PM

    It was fun to hear about how you worked through the design and making of this piece. The final result is stunning! A great "home" for your special bead :)

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