I traded for the intricate little crystal at an open studio swap event. I have no recollection of what I exchanged. I only knew that I wanted to make a choker that featured those wonderfully elegant, translucent shapes, at least 15 of them, all contained in an oval of approximately 1.5” high by 1” wide.
In one short evening, I stitched around the dainty piece with some appropriate clear Delia beads. Using stainless steel and some tiny markasite beads, I outlined my creation and added a protective backing of animal print ultra suede. Later, I dreamed about the necklace I would make. Early the next morning I headed for the studio.
My vision called for a choker. A large round faceted jet bead, my first choice, threatened to overwhelm. With determination I tracked down two sizes of black and white faceted zebra agate rounds. Nothing could stop this production. Yes, my other beads would work. I began adding accents of sterling silver.
The necklace almost made itself. I finished with a hand-made sterling silver s-hook oxidized to a dark patina and an extension of chain.In an earlier post I discussed the joys of learning metal work. < https://www.maryellenbeads.com/2018/04/metal-work-opens-new-world-of-adornment/ > Now the choker could expand from 16-inches to 20-inches with no trouble. It gave me additional satisfaction to know both the beaded center and the crafted clasp were hand made.
I placed the piece on my silhouette to take its picture. Alone on the bust, it seemed smaller than I’d expected. Besieged by doubts I wondered if it was inconsequential, perhaps too subtle to be considered a true statement piece.
Then, my eyes were drawn again to the intricate little crystal and I knew it commanded a big, big presence that made it perfect exactly as it was.
What kind of surprises find you in your jewelry making?