Saturday, April 27, 2013

Serpent Fringe Necklace

One of my favorite things about choosing a niche for jewelry design, is being able to use my favorite techniques as often as I want. So when I’m faced with a new inspiration, I can turn to a style that I know will work, and focus on getting the essence of my inspiration, rather than on the major design details. To represent the Egyptian serpent god Apep, I needed a necklace style that could represent both snakes and chaos. A herringbone rope would be perfect for the base, and the right fringe would add the perfect element of fierceness.

Chaos Serpent Bead Palette


I knew right away that I wanted to include some vintage red white-hearts in this piece, so all I needed was the right palette to complement them. I decided on a combination of gold substitutes - transparent topaz, brown lined amber, and cream. Together, and with the right pattern, I thought these three colors would make for excellent snake skin, as well as provide a neutral background for the fiery red beads.

I added an increase in a twisted herringbone rope to include some of the white hearts, but that wasn’t nearly enough color. So when it came time to add the fringe - with Czech glass ovals and freshwater pearls - I also added a handful of white-hearts to each strand. I love the way the uneven shapes look together in a stack above the accent beads, as well as the overall look of three bead sizes in the strands. They add a little extra something to the fringe that fits the lord of chaos perfectly. I’ll definitely be keeping these elements in mind for future designs.

Apep the Serpent Fringe Necklace


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6 comments:

  1. How do you add an increase in the herringbone rope? The same way we do in bridged herringbone?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly! I used only one bead every other stitch, but you can also increase and decrease the number of beads in the bridge for a different look.

      Delete
  2. Wow, this turned out so beautiful. The fringe finishes it perfectly.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have to ask, and I don't want to have you give away your secrets, but what stitch was used on the strap?? I am not sure if I am just 'not seeing it' or what! It looks like herringbone - almost, but not really?!? Then I see the RED bead and it doesn't make any since!?!?! HELP, please!?!! ~KM

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's twisted tubular herringbone with an increase in the center (opposite from the step-up). You can find instructions for both basic techniques under the Beading Tutorials tab at the top of the page.

      Delete
    2. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! ;) ~KM

      Delete

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