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.