This cabochon set is the one where I hit the wall and was completely stumped as to why I just wasn't happy with the first version. Sometimes I will be beading along and just not feeling it. The beads don't look right, the color seems off or the way the final piece hangs is just off. That was the case with this one.
The original design I used a copper silk fabric. And while it looked lovely lying on the bead table, the second you put it on it was twisting this way and that. The balance and weight of the stones was just off vs. the delicate silk fabric. 
So I put the piece down to rethink it. And it just sat there for months on the bead table staring at me. I would pick it up and match it to another fabric. Nothing seemed to be working. And so I moved on to other projects as I circle around this one picking it up, and promptly putting it back down again. And then it hit me. Why wasn't I using chain? Of course that was what the problem was. I really like how these two stones came together. They are clearly not the same. One is a jadite looking agate (at least I assume it is an agate). The other has almost a Feldspar look to it with all the flecks. I have absolutely no idea what either stone is, but my friend Christine would tell me that when in doubt it probably is an agate!
The other change I made which might not be as obvious is that I pulled off the lower level of beads around the bezel. I realized once I switched out the neck strap that it was too 'bead heavy' for the cabochon. It just didn't need that extra layer. I find myself trying to simplify my beading these days. Not sure why, but just want a 'less is more' look.
As the Grateful Dead sings, 'once in awhile you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right.' I've had lots of projects lay dormant for years then get a brainwave that makes it work.
ReplyDeleteVery cool piece! I love all those flecks.
ReplyDeleteIt did turn out beautifully. I do that quite a lot, leaving things for awhile, knowing they're not exactly right, picking them up and putting them down ... must be part of our creative process!
ReplyDeleteI've made things where I'm not feeling it and it's grueling to work on something that just isn't right. I do like how this piece turned out. The stones are gorgeous and you highlighted them beautifully! Your model is lovely too!
ReplyDeleteThe cabochon setting is absolutely perfect with a chain! It's funny how things can take time to click. The bottom stone may also be a jasper. It reminds me of the markings of autumn jasper, but not exactly the color. These are a gorgeous pairing!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same about some clothing items. It's a pain to unravel the seams, especially when they are serged. Ugh!
ReplyDeleteBut sometimes you simply have to do it all over again :)
Removing that extra layer of beads really makes a difference!
I absolutely love how you connected the two stones with jump rings! It is perfect with the chain!!
ReplyDeleteI would like to hire your model, please! :)
Another perfect pairing. Persistence pays off! The good things are worth waiting for, and I'm glad you didn't force this one. Simplicity (in my opinion) is the hardest elegance to pull off, but you manage it with ease :-)
ReplyDeleteI like what you did! I love it with the chain! I love agate!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a good week!!! and my g+ for you!!!:)))
Besos, desde España, Marcela♥
I'm way behind in my blog reading, but I really like this series you're working on! It's interesting that in the picture, the silk seems to work, but I can totally see where it might not when it's actually hanging around a persons neck. The difference between laying flat on the bead table and actually in use.
ReplyDeleteThe chain is an elegant solution, and I like how it echoes the connection between your two beaded cabochons.
AGATE!!! I feel like Doug the Dog from the movie Up!
ReplyDeleteLess is Always More and you have perfected that with this cab series. I am smitten with each and every one of them, this included. The fiber looks wonderful in photos, but if it wasn't right, it wasn't right. But you sure made it work out just fine!
It certainly turned out beautifully!
ReplyDeletebeautiful piece and a lovely model!
ReplyDeleteI love this cab series! It's inspiring me to attack the drawer full I have in my bead area! Your model wears them well!
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