Sunday, November 16, 2014

And, finally some beadwork!

Hi, everyone!  It's been a while and even longer since I posted any beadwork.  As I keep saying, the time goes so quickly and this year is quicker than most for some reason.  I haven't been in the studio much and beading has been very slow.  But, I finally finished a project I started at the beginning of September.  It's another geometric beadwork bracelet.  I can't seem to get enough of working from Kate McKinnon's and Jean Power's books.  Both artists came out with second volumes of geometric beadwork recently and I'm just captivated by what they and other artists are coming up with.

Here is what has taken me so long to finish.






The components are called Warped Squares in Kate's books, but the bracelet design comes from Jean Power.  And, while I keep saying it took a long time to complete because I haven't been beading much, it's not a quick project!!  All those beaded squares are connected by 6 rows of circular peyote, and there are a lot of squares even for my small wrist!  But, I love it and I loved working on it!  From the colors you can see why I wanted to finish it before Fall was over.   I used my favorite bronze Delicas for a repeating color and then was inspired by the changing leaves for the other Delica colors. 

As I said, each square is connected to the previous one by circular peyote worked at the center of the square that you just finished.  You work your way back to the center and peyote a short connector and then start the next square. It's finished with a magnetic closure.   Not quick beadwork, but I think it's worth it!  I've worn it already and I love it! 

Here are some close ups! 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I was so happy that my friend Kathy had some antique copper magnetic clasps in the store.  It really becomes invisible when I'm wearing the bracelet.  Since I have so much trouble sizing bangles that fit me well I'm always delighted when I can make a bracelet look like a bangle!  I adore bangle bracelets but can rarely find one or make one that fits!
 
 
Well, now I can start on a beaded Christmas gift for the librarian I work with.  And, then start on my next geometric project!! I'm addicted!
 
Now it's on to Thanksgiving (already?!) and then the hustle of the Christmas season!  I hope you are enjoying this beautiful season and getting  a lot inspiration from it.  Have a wonderful day and if you live in most of the U. S., stay warm!  Thank you so much for visiting with me.    I'll be back soon with my next entry into The Twelve Tags of Christmas Funkie Junkie Style! 



11 comments:

  1. Love the bracelet! Love to see it modeled on a wrist!

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  2. Hi Maryanne,
    I love the bracelet I know just what you mean about making geometric beaded projects I have gotten hooked on the twisted geometric pieces I have done lately. Looking forward to seeing more of your beaded pieces and your tags.
    Therese

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  3. Wow Maryanne, I am in awe of your skill with beads, this bracelet looks totally amazing! Such an amazing design, - I cannot imagine how long it must take to put something like that together... Fabulous work!

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  4. I can't believe that Thanksgiving is almost here. You are so right, Maryanne, the time seems to be flying by this year more than ever! I can't even begin to put in words just how much I LOVE your bracelet. it is soooooo fabulous, creative, and absolutely beautiful. I love that antique magnetic clasp, too. It's perfect! You amaze me each and every time I visit your blog, my friend! I hope all is well with you and cannot wait to see your next creation! If I don't get to "talk" to you before then, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! HUGS!!!

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  5. Oh Maryanne, this is absolutely fantastic. Wow, I've never seen anything like it. You must have received numerous compliments when you wore it. It is so intricate and the colors are so lovely. What a unique piece of jewelry! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!

    Hugs,
    Linda

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  6. Oh WoW! This is wonderful!!! The design and repetition and colors ~ what a fantastic bracelet and what a lot of work! When you are not proudly wearing it, you can hang it in a little shadow box and display it as art :-)

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  7. that is just beautiful! it's a real work of art.

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  8. I wish I had a picture of my jaw dropping when I clicked on this post! WOW! This is absolutely a stunning piece of art....BEAUTIFUL!!!!

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  9. Oh my goodness!! That piece is SPECTACULAR!! And I can only imagine how much time it took - all that delica bead weaving doesn't go quickly! It was worth the time it took though, because, wow! I know what you mean also about the trouble sizing bangles!!

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  10. holy moly that is one beautiful bangle! that kind of beadwork take time, and I know I would run out of patience! But wow did you ever finish in style!! this is really a gorgeous piece that I would be proudly showing off if I were you !!!!

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  11. That is one gorgeous bracelet - I love the shape of it and the colours are just perfect - lovely autumnal hues, and the bronze beads are heavenly! It looks like a phenomenal amount of work went into it but wow, it sure was worth it!

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