Gift of the Amazon
Bead Embroidered Collar, 2009
A wild, over-the-top beaded necklace, Gift of the Amazon was my first foray into large 'Cleopatra' style collars.
Prior to this piece, I had utilized similar techniques with three brooches; Snake Missed Eden Too, Anne Boleyn and Catherine of
Aragon. They can be found in the education pages.
Totally original and organically designed as it grew, this piece combines fine ingredients and more funky, fun items.
Ocean Jasper cabochons are held by circular peyote stitch rows as are large green plastic coat buttons from the post-war period. 24 carat gold beads were centered in the buttons as accents.
The scrimshaw-style parrot is a wood encased button from Petroglyph with the shank sawn off.
Fresh water 'potato' pearls, jade and stone beads, glass Czech leaves, seed beads, gold plated findings and leaf; all add charm and interest to the design.
The beads are embroidered into Ultra Suede and there is a smooth backing of the same material. The edges are simple brick stitch.
Pacific Tides
Bead Embroidered Collar, 2010
A more sophisticated version of this technique emerged as a class developed for EGA National Seminar 2010. Pacific Tides uses all the same methods as Gift, with a quieter color scheme and a higher level of components.
The hand-carved bone moon face from Petroglyph by Wendy Lee and a choice of semi-precious stone cabochons were surrounded by peridot fire polished crystals and beads on a base of Ultra Suede. This dramatic collar brought the students both an elegant accessory and new lessons in bead embroidery.
The full class was fun for everyone and many of the students had finished their collars within the first month following the class.
Way to go, Ladies!
