Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Bead Lessons :: Zig Zag Stitch

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! 

13 comments:

  1. What an interesting stitch! Great mix of materials!
    I've picked up some great sewing tips from a professional seamstress I'm befriended with :)

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  2. Really beautiful! This is such a cool necklace for the young and old alike!

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  3. I 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.

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  4. This is a beautiful necklace! Sometimes the pieces that come together over time turn out the best.

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  5. This is a beautiful piece. The scarab is cute and I love the braided leather!

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  6. Oh yes...I love this! Cool scarab! That stitch would even look beautiful as a simple necklace all by its lonesome!

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  7. That 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!

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  8. I 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)!

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  9. This 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.

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  10. This 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!!!

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  11. Very beautiful! Very cool! I love the scarab amulet!

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