Native Peoples :: Headdress

I mentioned yesterday that I was working on a piece, and in my mind's eye it was in the Native American style of a headdress. I saw in my head the use of feathers and their flare with dark tips (see yesterday's post). I've always loved this style. I find it striking how so few colors can have such impact on design.

The central focal is a rock from the shore of Lake Michigan; given to me by Christine of One Kiss Creations. Whom I had the pleasure of meeting in person recently. We had way too much fun, gabbing away far past my curfew (I jest, but I did nearly miss dinner with my kids - ooops!). Christine tells me that MI is a treasure trove of rocks for the serious rock connoisseur, and it sounds as though she had lots of fun trolling the shores looking for her favorites.  

I have promised Christine that I will try my hand at a beaded bezel around a rock. And I will, just not for this one! I wanted the shape of the rock to be au naturale because it is so unique and beautiful all on its own.

The beaded pattern is an alternate St Petersburg stitch with tila beads (aka double hole, square beads). After Christine and Therese's A Time to Stitch Blog Hop I've been trying to use more of their beautiful bead weaving in my work. I remember seeing this version and I have been dying to try it.

Lastly, the finish to the necklace. I posted this piece yesterday on CBC (Creative Bead Chat) and got lots of great suggestions. In the end, and if you read yesterday's post, you see that I went for simple. I wanted it to be in the style of a headdress, and the sides are typically leather. This happens to be suede from Mokuba (my all-time favorite ribbon store), but not your usual suede. It is a synthetic that looks and feels exactly like suede. And it is tough enough to stand up to my rough sewing style with fireline. I sure hope that Christine likes this, as I'm dropping it in the mail to her. I can not think of a more loving home for my headdress necklace.

A quick addition to this post. From Christine:
To some of the readers, a little aside...I was an Anthropology/Native American Studies major in college. And it is long believed (though I cannot find absolute written proof so it is more a folklore belief, which is fine by me!) that heart shaped rocks are a symbol of good luck. Once you start looking, you will find them everywhere :-) 

How cool is that? Christine, I hope this brings you much good luck