A Bracelet a Week: Simplicity

Rather than mimic an existing piece of Egyptian jewelry, this week’s bracelet design draws from a more abstract inspiration. I wanted to make something that was very simple, but with a distinct Egyptian flair. To get the look I wanted, I created a simple pattern of boxes and stripes. The essential element is the rows of alternating black and white beads that border the topaz boxes.

My original idea was for a peyote stitch cuff, but the diagonal beadwork wouldn’t provide the straight lines that I wanted. I went with herringbone instead, which proved to be much easier. Instead of adding the black and white stripes as fringe, I was able to incorporate them right into the pattern. This also saves a lot on stitching time.

I don’t like to leave bare threads on flat beadwork, and adding a finish to peyote stitch can be a little tedious at times. With herringbone, only the ends need embellishing. I used square stitch to finish this bracelet, but if I had to do it over, I think I might go with picots instead. Although the flat row of black beads fits in with the rest of the design, it doesn’t have the same clean look as other stitches.

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