Odd Count Peyote

Some photos of my latest bracelet based on a design by Met Inmon. It proved to be a great exercise in odd count turns.  The button I used could be counted as vintage since I'm pretty sure it originally came from Mum's button box. Can't decide whether that confirms that you should never throw anything away or that I am a tragic hoarder.

Chrysocolla Rope

This one is a departure from my long ropes.  It's a double strand and more symetrical with the various beaded beads of chrysocolla and carnelian.

More Ndebele

Some photos of the ndebele ropes I have concentrated on lately. There are details of the bronze necklace 'Aurora' in previous posts. The aquamarine/purple/green is called Asrai - gaelic for water nymph. Sewing is often a lot easier than naming!

Shopping

In this close up of the Aurora necklace you can see the czech irregular rounds used as feature beads - they really are much prettier than the photo.  Once I'd used some, the hunt was on to find more.  I was lucky to find two really great sites in Australia that stock beautiful czech beads:

1. Avedis - a really yummy collection of special czech beads

     2. Which colour beads?- a great site, organised by colour with some czech and lots of other tempting stuff at terrific prices

Royal Easter Show

Decided to enter two categories this year-off loom bead stitching and 'other' folk art.  Anyone who knows me won't be surprised that the painting was done in a last minute rush.  Both pieces are called Aurora and I hope they are the first of many duets-jewellery and containers to match. I need to work a lot more on my painting skills after such a long break from fine detail painting.  Will post a photo of the necklace soon.

Tropical Break

Have been away for a while and though there is nothing more boring than other people's holiday photos I am posting three for inspiration. The hibiscus and coral may end up in a lariat in the future if I can work out how to bead a convincing hibiscus. There is no such thing as a bad hair day on a tropical island once you tuck a flower behind your ear-might look a little odd on a commuter train.

Adventures in Ndebele continued

These are the later examples of Ndebele ropes.  The black and white are assymetrical and include large beads between sections of stitching,  The bollywood orange and pink uses caged pearls and the white pair grew from a purchase of assorted magatama drops.  I think the one on the left proves that a little black makes even the brightest colours more harmonious.