A few new things

LitaC2 wrote

on Nov 20, 2009 8:50 PM

Haven't had much time to devote to beading in the evenings this week, but I've managed to finish off some projects that have been hanging about.

Pink and Black Kumihimo

This was supposed to be a bracelet, but was too long, but not long enough for a necklace.  So I've put it on chains.  I think it needs something more substantial - probably a straight rope of kumi in black satin rattail.  The interesting thing about this piece is the shape.  Because I used two sizes of drop beads, with a core of size 8 black seed beads, the rope is square - the large drops are the corners and the small drops are the flats.  The black seed beads slide inside and stabilize everything.

Closeup

This is a metal working piece I started a few months ago.  The base is hammered sterling silver, dapped into a donut shape, and hammered circles riveted on.  It was supposed to be a pin, but I couldn't get the pinback soldered on properly, so I desoldered the half already on it and then soldered on a loop.  It's strung on a leather cord with silver wire wrapped ends.

Lastly - a kumi piece I'm just not sure about.  It is a series of size 11, size 8 and size 6 round seed beads with copper accents.  I had no idea what the finished product would look like, and I'm not sure I'll repeat this style.  I plan on adding tassels on the ends, and will post a finished picture eventually.

Lita

Mikki335 wrote

on Nov 20, 2009 9:09 PM

 Very nice work, Lita. I actually really like the last one (and I'm not even a fan of pastels) and I think adding tassels would be perfect.

BeadBarn wrote

on Nov 20, 2009 9:53 PM

Lita... Beautiful  work, as usual....I luv the first (pink) one....if you decide to change the chain for a Kumi braid I have the layout diagram for creating a square braid.  Let me know if you don't have this info. and would like it.

Lynn

LoisB@23 wrote

on Nov 20, 2009 9:55 PM

 WOW! I love the pink and black, though I agree, it needs the heftier kumi to balance it. The color of the beads makes me think of raspberry sorbet....

love the modern look of the metal piece. I remember when you showed us that as a WIP. love the texture to it.

And I REALLY like the last one. Yes, it's outside your usual style, but I really like it. Tassles would be a suitable whimsical finishing detail. I know I myself would wear it.

Lois

JSmaz wrote

on Nov 21, 2009 12:30 AM

I like them all as well.  I agree the first needs something heftier, but I like the chain so perhaps just a larger-link chain would do the trick.  If you could find something with squares it would work with the square kumi.

I like the other 2 as well-the colors you chose for the 3rd one look great together.

beadsbeadingbeaded wrote

on Nov 21, 2009 3:56 AM

 I love your Kumi! i really look forward to opeining one of your threads! I think adding the chain was a great idea as opposed to not using the braiding at all. Another idea, to make the chain look a bit more weighter and match the kumi, would to be to break up the chain with sections of 'larger same color beads', wire wrapped so the chain can reattach on each end.(I hope I am being understood ) lol

The gorgeous metal focal is beautiful!

I think the last piece is my favorite, too. The colors mix, the size of the beads mix and yet they all go great together. Sometimes, that is a hard trick to pull off! Adding the bits of copper were perfect too! You could also consider adding a large beaded bead with a tassle below that, on each end...I love this and can't wait to see how you complete the ends!

Erin

Cathy wrote

on Nov 21, 2009 7:46 AM

 Yes, great job on all of the pieces!

Cathy

SEllen 2 wrote

on Nov 21, 2009 11:52 AM

 Lita

 As always beautiful.

 I was thinking on your first pink and black piece if you used a double chain in black maybe that would work. I don't even know if they make black chain though I've seen some findings in black.

You always do such wonderful work - I look forward to what's to come.

sellen

Evalie wrote

on Nov 21, 2009 4:19 PM

 Lita,

As usual.....stunning! I agree that the last piece is a wonderful melding of colors...it's such a fun piece. How long is it?  The tassels will be the crowning touch, I think.

                                                 Evalie

AndreaM226 wrote

on Nov 21, 2009 4:42 PM

 Lita your pieces are beautiful.  I definately think the first one needs a heavier chain to balance it, the smaller chain makes it look a little heavy. 

I like the last one too, the colors are beautiful and I like the texture you've achieved with the different size beads, tassels will look great, can't wait to see it when it's finished.  I'd love to see the last one laid out lengthwise so that I could see the way the sections of color work together side by side (did that make sense?)

MelindaB@14 wrote

on Nov 24, 2009 11:11 AM

Lita ~ All three pieces are so uniquely your style.  I love the colors you used as well as the different metals.  I think that the last one is my favorite Thank you for sharing

Cindy Daniel wrote

on Nov 24, 2009 11:26 AM

Those are all beautiful! I think the first one is my favorite, I love the texture and the way the light reflects off the beads. 

DebWAZ wrote

on Nov 24, 2009 12:56 PM

Oh, Lita - I'm SOOO bored by seeing all this kumihimo! NOT!!!!!!

I'm simply awed by your work. You top yourself every time!

Deb

LinaG2 wrote

on Nov 24, 2009 2:46 PM

 Quite honestly, Lita...I think the necklace looks lovely and doesn't need anything at all!!!!  Next time, I would make the necklace all the way around and maybe add a beautiful clasp as your focal point that would be in the front.  I just love it!!!!

JeannieK6 wrote

on Nov 25, 2009 3:15 AM

 Lita how did I miss this.  Love the black peeping out in the pink Kumi. The metal piece is awesome.  I just destroyed one of my metal pieces by accident trying to finish it.  I like the color in the last one.  Dare to experiment, it's what we do.  jeannie