Turquoise Urchin Bead

I am always amazed at how a variety of seed beads can be transformed into a wearable piece of art.

Here are the beads (15s, 11s, 8s & 3mm crystals)

That are stitched together using right angle weave.

 

Now with the ends attached together, create a floppy urchin shape.

Attach the crystals to make the spines take a firm, curved shape.

From another point of view.

Project is from Marcia DeCoster's Bead Opulence.

Under the Mast completed

Here is the band for the Under the mast pendant by Marcia DeCoster. It is an embellished right angle weave.  It would make a great simple bracelet to coordinate with the necklace.  I have enjoyed working up the various kits I purchased at the classes with Marcia last month at Beadfx.

Under the mast pendant

Here is my latest Marcia DeCoster project, Under the mast pendant. I just have to make the embellished right angle weave band to wear it on.

The right angle weave base is great for working the peyote sides to hold the crystal in place. I was careful to ensure that I did the correct number of units for each row of the base. I counted out the needed beads as well as one extra to set aside after each row to keep track of them. I was able to finish this in an afternoon. I will start the band tonight and hope to finish it over the next few evenings.

La Baquita Necklace

I finished my variation of Marcia De Coster's La Baquita necklace. I purchased the kit at the class I took last month at Beadfx. I liked the look of the design, but wanted to have only a few of the medallions.

With the necklace being made with components I was able to make a center medallion and four small medallions. I used the band instruction from Marcia's Under the Mast necklace to finish each side of the necklace.

Niagara Falls

Anna and I have spent the last couple of days in Niagara Falls. Here are a few pictures.

Horseshoe Falls

American Falls

Maid of the Mist (wet but amazing)

White Water Walk (as close as you can get to class 6 rapids)

Horseshoe Falls as seen from the observation desk @ Journey Behind the falls

Rainbow over the falls.

Queen Anne's Lace Bracelet - Completed

The finishing of Marcia DeCoster's Queen Anne's Lace bracelet went very smoothly.  

The base of the bracelet worked up great. It was different to make something that was components joined together. 

Adding the accent beads tightened up the bracelet. Making the loop end took a few attempts in order to get the right size to fit over the amazing Swarovski button.

Finished it is a snug fitting cuff. It is a beautiful piece.

Urchin Bead

From Marcia DeCoster's Beaded Opulence here is the Urchin Bead. I have used Dark Red Coral crystals, gunmetal and cherry red seed beads.

It is interesting to see the effect of different size beads within a band of right angle weave. Stitching the ends together creates the base of the bead. The embellishment of crystals tightens up the spines of the bead.

I really like making this bead. I am going to make another in turquoise and brown.