Bracelet

[pearlescence]

I've spent the weekend working my way through about 300 headpins to make some of these in a mixture of untreated pearls and granulated pearls (biggest pearls are over 14mm)

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Mmmm... opulently casual.

What gauge and length of head pins do you use, Wendy?

 

[pattye]

Wendy,

Those are just WONDERFUL!!!!! Bet they will be gone in a heartbeat!

 

[barbie biggs]

Wendy:
Those look amazing. How heavy is it? It looks like it would be most satisfying to wear! Any idea how a necklace made the same way would lie?
barbie

 

[pearlescence]

They are heavy, especially the one in the top photo - feel great to wear. I think you would have to lie (down) to wear a necklace like these. It would be quite an item - dramatic and very heavy.

 

[pearlescence]

I will look for the details on the pins when I go back to the workshop Pearl dreams

 

[waimeamomi]

How are your fingers doing, Wendy? My fingers are a mess from knotting the 38" necklace. That's gorgeous! I don't have the patience for that kind of head pin work, but you make me want to reconsider!

 

[pattye]

Any idea how a necklace made the same way would lie?

Kojima Pearl website has a Tahitian necklace, with pearls on a chain rather similar, but the pearls are just in the front part. Probably a good idea with larger pearls. With smaller pearls they could go all around.

I have a bracelet, purchased by me before my beading days, it weighs 81 grams! The sterling caps and beads account for a fair amount of that----

 

[pearlescence]

Since all the pearls were very narrow drilled (about .6mm I think) I had to drill out each and every one before I could get the pin through. I am being very nice to the index finger on my left hand right now, but I am lucky to have very strong and flexible hands (years of touch typing)
Pattye, I looked at the Kojima necklace...yes probably the pearl part is about the same length. You could use smaller pearls to go around the back and tail them off a bit as well, but I dislike items which only happen at the front and ignore the back (not just jewellery, sweaters do it all the time and it really irritates me)

 

[pearlescence]

I also made these - and I am halfway through a peaches one. I am having an uncharacteristic dither - granulated or plain round pearls with the big untreated peach.....

 

[pattye]

Wendy,

I meant to add that I do prefer the all pearl bracelets!

About the small drill holes, it is so frustrating to have a design all planned, and can't do it because the headpin won't fit! I don't know how to drill out the pearls, at least the ones I have tried I break off the tip inside (And sometimes getting my 68 yr old fingers to cooperate is another issue altogether!) But I do love this kind of challenge!! Wendy, I agree also with designs that stop abruptly--yes, sweaters are the worst! Graduation seems to solve at least some of those issues--------------

 

[jerin]

Wendy,

the bracelets are really lovely and most lovely of them all is Pattyes! Do you drill them by hand or do you have a drill machine? I have some reamers but I have to admit, I am no good at it and it takes ages if I try to enlarge a drillhole....

 

[Amrita]

Gorgeous bracelets, Wendy! I am in awe of all you members of the LBC! So skilled, creative, artistic and patient! Well done!
And that's a pretty bracelet, Pattye!

 

[barbie biggs]

Wendy and Pattye:
You are totally inspiring me. I have been thinking about doing something like this for some time now but am a little intimidated by, well the cost for one thing, but the possibility of not getting it right for another. You have inspired me to rethink my idea of making a necklace this way. I love all of the work on this page. Not to mention the use of color.
You are all awesome and I am awestruck with your designs!!!
barbie

 

[pattye]

My bracelet was purchased before I started beading, the artist is Tracey Pettingill. I wanted to be sure you all knew I didn't create it------------really a lot of work, but basic wire wrapping, for someone who would want to try a similar item------------I truly prefer the all pearl look of Wendy's with more emphasis on the lovely pearls themselves------------

 

[Caitlin]

Hi Wendy
I love your bracelets! It's a great pattern/style that you can repeat endlessly and every one would be unique!

 

[la_corsetiere]

The bracelets pictured are marvellous, both with and without the silver. Makes me want to go home and bead!!!

Sheri

 

[knotty panda]

I have been thinking about doing something like this for some time now but am a little intimidated by, well the cost for one thing, but the possibility of not getting it right for another.
barbie

Barbie: That design is immensely forgiving. There are no mistakes. Do a bracelet first before tackling a necklace.

 

[Miriam Reed]

Wendy, I really love them. You did a fantastic job.

 

[barbie biggs]

Barbie: That design is immensely forgiving. There are no mistakes. Do a bracelet first before tackling a necklace.

Thanks Knotty; I was thinking that I might make a bracelet with a chain in either 18 or 22kg @ 8 inches with a lobster claw and an extra ring for adjustability. I could add my pearls and a few colorful stones to this. Then a second chain the same length. This way I could wear it as a bracelet or necklace and could execute other similar designs and do the same with them. Paspaley has a fabulous little lobster claw with a few diamonds on it. Of course with the whole grad school thing this year, Mom dying, my sisters separation and all I've been dead broke but I was thinking I could start purchasing a few head pins and daisy's at a time until I had enough. Then next year when I have enough for the chains I could forge ahead. What do you think? I was hoping this design would give me years of possibilities.

barbie

Anybody else have any thoughts? Besides: "Learn how to take pictures for Pete's sake!"