June/July 2002 - New Work

There always seems to be one stitch that the individual finds extremely difficult to master. For some, it is peyote, for me, its right angle weave (RAW). I cannot count the number of times I have attempted to work with this technique, or the number of tutorials, books, etc., I have poured over. I could manage a single row or even a strip, if I used the 6 or 8 bead version. But plain old 4 bead RAW was beyond me. Fired by a discussion on one of the newsgroups, I was determined to get over this particular block. 'In My Garden' is the result.

The choker is 4 bead RAW using 11/0 seed beads in white, irridescent purple and irridescent green. The two pieces are linked by strung oval amethysts and facetted garnets. The same types of semi-precious stones are featured in the fringe. Just for fun, I added two buttons in the shape of ladybirds, one peeks over the edge of the choker and the other is nestled in amongst the leaves and flowers. I was also lucky enough to come across just the right button to use as a clasp and add the finishing touch to 'My Garden'.

'Fidelity' is a broad collar worked in heirloom lace or horizontal netting. The webs are linked with 4 bead RAW in gold, rather than with a single bead. Oval, slightly facetted, white beads were used at the neckline to give both extra strength and a change in texture. Sparkle and colour is provided by the turqoise crystals used to embelish the piece. The collars title comes from the symbolism embedded in the colours used, word association with the idea of 'heirloom'. A touch of wimsy is the button used for the closure (not shown), in the shape of a clock face.

let me know what you think..