Steven Weiss of Beadsmith invited me to create using the new Miyuki Baroque beads and a beautiful Golem Cabochon. I really enjoyed working with both, and am happy with my results! There is an entire fB page devoted to this awesome Golem/Miyuki combination. and I invite you to view all the beatuiful design work here!
I loved the Golem cabochon, by Vladislav Ivanov, and (thanks to percise calibration on his part) I was able to begin with a most magical number in my bezel base row, 96, that divides evenly FOUR times and is also divide-able by 3, 4, 6 and 12. I was in 7th heaven. (Wonder why heaven is seventh? Primes are abysmal beady numbers!) So because it was possible to do so, I got totally carried away with that bezel, allowing the cab imagery to dictate my progress. I think the result kinda blends with the cab to the point of visual question about where one ends and the other begins. After I had played for a few rounds, I decided I would cover the through hole, and just feature the beadweaving and the gorgeous Golem graphics.
Then I created my strap, using a base of my favorite stitch triangle weave and embellishing with square stitch, and variations thereof. I was happy to add a few super duo beads to the mix and was really pleased with the Miyuki Baroque beads. The texture is almost that of a Baroque pearl, and somehow makes it possible for the result to have both a relaxed and an elegant feel. Pearls themselves are really hard to dress down, so what a great finish!
After working the strap, I wanted to add some of the drop components to the bezel, but didn't really want the focal piece to get bigger. In playing with the embellishment, I discovered a way to make the drop components curl back over the cab, and the result looked like an artichoke to me, hence the name for the work!
I also loved the Golem maker's mark, and wanted to be sure it was visible in my end result, so here it is for you to see. Now I need to go and shopping and find the perfect thing to wear with this for the Bead and Button show! I think my little olive accent beads should inform that purchase!
