Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Work in Progress: Nile Lariat

Ever since entering a UFO necklace in the last Ugly Necklace Contest, I’ve found that it’s much easier to let go of designs that aren’t working, even if I’ve already invested a lot of time and thread. Before, it was difficult to admit that it was time to start over, especially with the idea of frogging something - or rather the guilt of not frogging it - looming over the project. Now I almost look forward to having a lot of beadwork scraps to fuse together at the end of the year. It's a rather refreshing retreat.

This week I’m way behind on a new Egyptian Gods necklace, because after giving my original idea a fair shot it didn't really deserve, I had to start over.

Nile River Lariat in Progress


I created a custom mix of 8/o seed beads specifically for accents in a spiral rope, mixing up the dregs of several blue, green, brown, and black packets. There are far too many colors to bother sorting them back out, so I was pretty determined to make my idea work and use up the mix. I tried switching the rope colors to get a color blocked look and see how it worked, but the fact remained that the beadwork was very…inelegant. I stewed and pondered for awhile, and finally decided on double St. Petersburg chain with stripes, which would make use of the 'river' mix and the other seed bead colors I’d chosen.

The new necklace chain not only looks better, but it has a more water-inspired appearance, which is perfect. When finished, it will also include some beaded flowers and papyrus reeds in tribute to the Egyptian god of inundation. All of the components are already complete, although I may have to go back and replace the lime green papyrus with emerald - I think the color may look too cute against the opaque blues of the chain.

River Spiral Rope Fail River St. Petersburg Chain


Last week’s jewelry projects are complete - although the pendants are still waiting for their cords. I would like to keep taking these short ring and pendant breaks whenever possible, assuming that I can catch up on my gods list and leave a little room in my schedule. I’m about half way to my deadline, but still have a lot of deities to go.

Assorted Embroidery Pendants Assorted Egyptian Rings


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5 comments:

  1. Lovely color combination! Can't wait to see how it will turn out! :) I especially like the beaded flowers - how did you make them? I would imagine it starts with a circular peyote stitch and then you somehow make separate leaves?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most of my beaded flowers and components are made with brick stitch and combinations of other techniques. I have a few tutorials for basic flowers shapes available here:

      http://ca.etsy.com/shop/sagescupboard?section_id=7382948

      Delete
  2. Thank you! I am now experimenting with peyote stitch and trying to make something that resembles a flower :) Will have to try brick stitch as well. The french beaded and wire wrapped ones that I have tried to make look too sturdy and are also very heavy. I would love to make my own wedding bouquet out of beads :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. i saw this in beadwork (or bead & button) as a necklace you submitted for Margie Deeb to work her magic on. i always have such trouble with my colour combo's, it's nice to know im not alone!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was so exciting to get a critique from Margie! She's the best. I find color feels easier if you start with your favorites and experiment a little at a time. And of course you can get inspiration from almost anywhere. Keep at it!

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