Green Zig Zag

As mentioned in the post below, here is the result of weaving different sized beads in the zig zag pattern. I was also able to further embellish it with drop beads. I feel it gives the necklace a lovely textural quality.
To bring the weave in and make the finishing weave smaller I wove in Czech crystal drops.
This necklace also took around 10-12 hours to make but quite a bit of this time is spent in experimentation.
Maybe the next one would be even less time.

I would love to hear any comments.

African Zig Zag

I have called this "African zig-zag" because the colours and it's shape remind me of African patterns and jewellery, very earthy.
The decoration has black agate chips, onyx coin shaped beads, Czech fire polished crystals and the clasp has been woven into the necklace.
This necklace has taken 14 hours to create and has taught me heaps.
I am now curious to see what would come of weaving different sizes into this design. Time will tell.

Vintage Lace - SOLD 18/05/10 YAY!!!

Here is the result of more experimentation -  a necklace reminiscent of Vintage Lace.            Who would imagine by doing a simple decoration around a bead one could come up with so many varied combinations and achieve a necklace that is intricate, feminine, elegant and has a distinctive Vintage look about it??       I am really thrilled to have designed this piece and can see many more ideas eventuating from this one project.  The necklace is made entirely of black size 11/0 seed beads and 146 Czech crystals with a Swarovski Crystal drop at the front. I now need to make one entirely of Swarovski crystals. What a stunner that would be!!!    I am now off for a holiday by the sea for 5 days. A well earned rest and I am only taking books to read, no beads !   OMG !                                          

Shazaaam!! it is

When I make a piece of jewellery, I get a name for it by the time I am finished. Whilst making this necklace I thought it looked like something Morticia Addams would wear, so I called it "Morticia's favourite".  As I put the finishing touch to the piece and placed it on a stand I stepped back and in my head I heard the words "Shazaaaam!"

I am in a dilemma, which name suits it best ??

I thought I would put it on the blog and ask those ''out there'' for their opinions.

Let me know what you think.

D.I.Y. July @ Etelage, Newtown

Newtown stores in July are running D.I.Y. classes. I have been invited by Etelage, King St South, to teach a two day Peyote stitch workshop. These pics are of a bracelet I have come up with for intermediate students. Those who have so far seen this bracelet think it's a real stunner. So much so one friend has already made one for herself. Another friend thought it a great bracelet for old ladies with arthritic hands - because of the button clasp. I laughed so hard !!!

Cascade of Pearls - SOLD & gone to Ireland

A multistrand of purple/grey pearls with pale grey, mauve/pink and

burgundy seed bead weave with a round jasper disc. Very feminine, very pretty.
I really like the cascade of pearls above the jasper disc.

I am enjoying making clusters of beads in my work lately. More to come.

Stars, Stars, Stars

This is a pic of a star medallion I beaded some time ago made up of mauve/grey pearls, pale grey centre shell pearl and delicas. I went through a phase of making stars and seeing how many points I could create.

I found there is symbolism for the number of points e.g. a 6 pointed star represents the old testament symbols for God with two triangles overlaid, the triangle with point up is masculine, point down feminine. The 8 point star is the St John ambulance symbol and the Maltese Cross symbol but also the star that guided the wisemen at the time of Christ's Birth, the star of Ishtar (Venus) first star in the sky at night and last in the morning.

8 Pointed stars symbolise an awareness beyond the physical realm.

This pic is the 7 pointed star which is known as the Southern Cross and appears on the Australian Flag.
The acute heptagram is known as the Elven Star or Fairy Star, a sacred symbol to Wiccans who follow the Faery tradition. It has also been adopted as an identifier by members of the Otherkin subculture.
Don't you just love the symbolic meaning of what resonates with us ? Does this mean I know Faeries ??

The angle of the Bangles

Wanting to teach my students right angle weave I came across this pattern (thanks to Sandra) and was delighted to make this bangle.

I imagine the wearer and any viewer will also be delighted by this.

I am teaching my regulars how to make these on March 20th and April 3rd. I am sure they will have fun on the day, they usually do.

Pendulum of Power

A pendulum I made using Japanese Miyuki delicas - probably the most precise seed bead you can buy.

I have hung the inverse pyramid on black suede and decorated the suede above the pendulum as well as at the back which allows for adjustable lengths. 

Viewers have commented how it has a ''Renaissance'' look about it. I placed this piece in the A&E Metal "Explorations 09" Exhibition. A lot different to the previous years entry. Work inspired by Diane Fitzgerald (many thanks) 

White Goddess

The picture on the right is a necklace I created to resemble 'french lace'

I decorated around different types of beads and then linked these beads together to form this free style necklace. I spent a lot of time creating this unique necklace and it seems to have become a piece you use as 'credentials' when someone wants to see your work.

The necklace was placed in the A&E Metal Annual Exhibition "Explorations 08".

Any comments appreciated.