A Bracelet a Week: Egyptian Earrings

Being a metal-free beader can be a little rough sometimes. Even though I have never liked to wear earrings, I sometimes long to make them, but there aren’t very many ways to get around the metal components. Still, I can at least get some inspiration from earring designs.

This week’s bracelet was inspired by a pair of amazing falcon earrings found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. The design features duck headed birds with the distinct falcon wings of Horus. From their tails cascade feather-like cloisonné pendants with square and spearhead shapes in gold, blue, and red.

It is these shapes that I used to create my bracelet pattern. The exact colors were hard to pick out, as much of the glass finish is lost or faded. I finally decided on a pattern with dominate red spears, and rows of blue and red squares in between.

I have mentioned in the past that I dislike pattern work, but I am discovering a new appreciation for it with herringbone weave. Unlike peyote, with it’s alternating brick-like structure and diagonal rows, herringbone makes beading patterns simple and enjoyable.

I also prefer the feel and drape of flat herringbone to peyote, and since it is stitched in the opposite direction, the bare edges are much smaller and take a lot less time to embellish and cover. In other words, I think I’ll be making some more herringbone cuffs with patterns throughout this challenge!

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