This necklace came together in pieces, and it all began with a beading lesson from my friend Christine. Each time we get together we try to share a technique with the other so that we're both learning something new. I do so love these little lessons.I had seen a stitch over on her blog that I just had to try where she'd used a new variation on zig zag stitch using peanut beads. It creates amazing depth to this beaded chain (click on the link to see the beautiful piece she created). I picked out some metallic colors and got to work. I really just wanted to bead this new stitch to feel the rhythm of the pattern in my hands. I had no idea what I was going to do with it, and tucked it away.
Once I was back home it sat on the bead table for some time, like so many other stalled projects. But then I pulled out a focal bead that Christine had gifted me from that last trip to Fishkill in the shape of a scarab. I added a semicircle of braided leather to complete the necklace and it all came together. I love the symbolism of the scarab as amulet in Egyptian history. It is said to bring protection to the wearer. I turned the bead into a simple cab to attach to the leather, connected the beaded back strap, and voila. Another Christine-inspired design!
What an interesting stitch! Great mix of materials!
ReplyDeleteI've picked up some great sewing tips from a professional seamstress I'm befriended with :)
Really beautiful! This is such a cool necklace for the young and old alike!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful job!
ReplyDeleteI love this look! The peanut zigzag, leather, the bead in the one circle but not the other, and very lightly beaded scarab! It is a sleek, simple, clean look. And thanks for the link back to what could easily be my favorite piece of my own. It is nice to see what I used to do. Maybe, just maybe, I can find my way again, now that I can come up for air once more. You are the most precious friend. Thank you for you.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful necklace! Sometimes the pieces that come together over time turn out the best.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful piece. The scarab is cute and I love the braided leather!
ReplyDeleteOh yes...I love this! Cool scarab! That stitch would even look beautiful as a simple necklace all by its lonesome!
ReplyDeleteThat pendant and your beadwork is beautiful! I have it on my list to learn how to do that kind of stitch this year. We'll see if I can!
ReplyDeleteI love when pieces like this come together! Sometimes we just need to let them sit until everything is just right (at least that's what I tell myself...lol)!
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely and well balanced piece and made even more special with the involvement of that sweet friend. You are both so talented, I love how you shop together, learn from each other and take such good care of your friendship.
ReplyDeleteThis post, and the necklace, are both amazing beauties! I have felt so inspired by the bead-blogging community, and to see the connection between you and Christine is heart warming. May you both continue to create beaded masterpieces for a long, long time to come!!!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful! Very cool! I love the scarab amulet!
ReplyDelete