Experimenting

I've recently seen so many gorgeous collars I had to have a go. It was a good learning curve and great fun to do. I'm not going to point out all my mistakes! I used a set of lapis & chrysocolla cabs for the main focus and added a little purple bear from Alaska (gift from a friend), a carved bone owl from Victoria (BC) and an orca (Frederick Pewter Canada) that my son bought in BC over 25 years ago. The 2 small sections are beaded round pieces of paua shell. I tried to keep the bead embroidery balanced, but the design is freestyle - in other words, made up as I went along! I'm not sure how soon I'll tackle another one.

BEAD JOURNAL PROJECT 2014

Hedgehogs

January

tiny hedgehog rescued from frosty garden

February

12 BEAD JOURNAL PROJECT CUFFS OF 2013

and what next????

AUGUST CUFF

I was given this little silver hedgehog charm last Christmas - with the challenge to create something with it! I love the delightful 'Nature' piece which Robin made for last year's BJP, and that has been my inspiration. 

The background is a photo of leaves in our garden printed onto cotton fabric. The tiny 'log' is a twig which I split in half and stuck in place. The hedgie is both stuck on and secured with stitches. The beading (hopefully) looks like a bit of woodland floor. A cobweb hung with a few tiny crystals connects the ferns with the mushroom and greenery on the opposite side.

The metal cuff is covered with dark green ultrasuede. I used craft scissors to make a decorated edge. They cut paper and card easily, but are not so successful on fabric. 

The real hedgehog visits our garden most evenings. He spotted a tasty-looking dog biscuit left on the lawn and made short work of it for his supper!

JULY PEACOCK BUTTERFLY CUFF!

July is the month of butterflies - the one on my fingertips is a gorgeous Peacock.  My beaded one doesn't do it justice. I wish now I'd bought more 15s and shaded the colours on the wings properly, but I used what I had in my stash to create the effect. The cuff is covered with black ultrasuede and the butterfly drapes rather nicely over it. I was going to stitch it down all round, but changed my mind as there is some movement of the wings and it looks as if it's just landed on my wrist. The cuff is comfortable to wear, but the painted wire antennae are rather vulnerable!   

The real thing!

PEACOCK CUFF

Got a bit carried away with this one! I was given some peacock feathers and this is the result. The cuff looks quite exotic, but it's virtually impossible to wear without damaging the feather. It's destined to stay an ornament.

MORE INSECT MAGIC!

These gorgeous orange tip butterflies (Anthocharis cardamines) have been over-wintering in safety, protected from the unseasonal snow. It's a lovely sunny day and so far 9 males have emerged and gone back into the garden. A few more to go, then it will be the turn of the females who come out a bit later. 

Butterfly about to emerge

Here I come!

Settling comfortably to dry their wings

Nearly ready

Out in the garden among the primroses