This is sort of how I’ve come to feel about trade beads, especially Christmas beads. Although they are technically just Czech seed beads, a strand of "love beads" is so much more than that. Even though they are often rough and irregular, I’ve fallen for them even harder than I did when I discovered how superior Japanese seed beads were to what I had been using.
This week I wanted to work with them a little more, and perhaps use up what’s left of the large strands of Christmas beads I purchased earlier this year. They aren’t quite as versatile for me as the smaller versions, so I thought it would be best - and fun - to get them all together in one piece.
I am so happy with the way this cuff turned out. It was a little scary towards the end, as I worried that I wouldn’t have enough nicely shaped trade beads to finish. I also had to double up on beads in a few places to get the right sizes.
Even though this is the tamest possible kind of freeform peyote I could try, it has me wondering what other possibilities there are. Perhaps it’s not as scary as it looks? I am very tempted to have another go at a cuff like this, with a wider mixture of beads styles. Starting with cubes, I think.
Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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I've seen those lovely strands of colorful trade "Christmas Beads" and have been tempted to purchase them, however I really never knew what I would do with them other than use them as beaded strands in a necklace. Your bracelet is unique and totally charming. Lovely work.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!! Have just recently begun free-form peyote myself, and trying to decide how wild I want to go:-)
ReplyDeleteWow, great use of your beads. I love both the design and your choice of backround color. PS thanks for always being so ispirational.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! I didn't know they were called Christmas Beads, how sweet!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is just beautiful. I love it! How did you work the edges of it? I gives it such a nice finish. Really pretty. I might have to get some of those trade beads. I've been holding myself back but they look so pretty!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sally! I finished the cuff with a variation of square stitch. It's a really handy and versatile edging technique and works with flat and circular pieces. I included it in the "Stacked Ring" PDF tutorial, which is exclusive to my SagesTutorials shop on ArtFire.
ReplyDeleteYou are SO talented!!! It never fails every time I come over to check in to see what you have been up to, I have a jaw dropping moment, this is just perfect! :)
ReplyDeleteReally love that bracelet - great work!
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