The first magnetic compass was invented around 200 BC during the Chinese Han Dynasty, but not really used in its traditional navigational sense until the 11th century by the Song Dynasty. Amazing just how long ago this was invented and how advanced the civilizations that used it must have been.The last time I took some time away to bead for the weekend with Christine, she asked if we could practice fringe. Ah fringe, how I love it. I had with me two of these leather compass focals that Melinda Orr had made. I punched several holes in both of them and we got to work. One of the many things I love about beading with Christine is that we can sit, and bead, and just be. We can talk non-stop for hours, and then we can sit quietly and bead. Both are important, and both soothe the soul.
This piece actually hangs long, not quite at waist level. And when I wear it it swings and gives a bit of a musical sound with all those brass feathers. I don't keep many of the items that I make, but this one just might make the cut.
You can never have too much fringe! Love it!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful! I can see why it would be soothing especially with the little chimes.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful piece!
ReplyDeleteThat piece is pleasing to the eyes, the ears, and I'm sure also to the touch. I'd like to let my fingers play with the fringe. Mmmmmmm. I love the compass, and what it represents. It's a keeper, definitely!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful statement piece! I hope you keep it because it's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThat is indeed a beauty!
ReplyDeleteStunning! I can hear its pretty sounds!
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous! And I love the historical symbolism.
ReplyDeleteO, my fringe loving sisters ... I love thinking about you two sitting together and doing your work, talking and laughing and sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis piece is truly stunning and I always enjoy wearing something that makes a tiny bit of music on its own, too. How could this not be a keeper?!!
Beautiful piece, I know just what you mean I have a group of friends that we get together now and then to bead or to make cabochons, we talk and catch up, but when the beads or rocks come out it is creating time. We may ask a question or two but basically we are quietly creating and enjoying just being together. We learn from each other, it is a wonderful thing to have friends with the same interests you have whether they are close by or far away.
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This is so subtle and so gorgeous - I love the little tinges of turquoise add depth. Fringe is, as you know, something I struggle with, so to see it done so beautifully is an inspiration. Yep, I'd keep this one to enjoy, too!
ReplyDeleteLovely fringe work and the compass speaks volumes. How nice you have a beading buddy. I have been trying to encourage my nieces in that direction but they live so far away we rarely have crafty time together. PS - If you ever decide to come out to AZ for the Tucson shows, let me know. It would be great to visit with another like-minded beader!
ReplyDeleteWow!!! Stunning!! I love fringe too! I love this piece! Truly beautiful! I love how you said that it makes a musical sound! I think you should keep it!!
ReplyDeleteI loved being a part of this piece ~ the learning, the finding, the sharing, the feeling ~ You made a perfect necklace ~ wear it often and hear the music you bring to this world.
ReplyDeleteWow I love it!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAwsome.
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