Saturday, June 11, 2011

A Bracelet a Week: Egyptian Earrings

Egyptian Seed Bead Palette

Being a metal-free beader can be a little rough sometimes. Even though I have never liked to wear earrings, I sometimes long to make them, but there aren’t very many ways to get around the metal components. Still, I can at least get some inspiration from earring designs.

This week’s bracelet was inspired by a pair of amazing falcon earrings found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. The design features duck headed birds with the distinct falcon wings of Horus. From their tails cascade feather-like cloisonné pendants with square and spearhead shapes in gold, blue, and red.

It is these shapes that I used to create my bracelet pattern. The exact colors were hard to pick out, as much of the glass finish is lost or faded. I finally decided on a pattern with dominate red spears, and rows of blue and red squares in between.

Egyptian Spearhead Cuff

I have mentioned in the past that I dislike pattern work, but I am discovering a new appreciation for it with herringbone weave. Unlike peyote, with it’s alternating brick-like structure and diagonal rows, herringbone makes beading patterns simple and enjoyable.

I also prefer the feel and drape of flat herringbone to peyote, and since it is stitched in the opposite direction, the bare edges are much smaller and take a lot less time to embellish and cover. In other words, I think I’ll be making some more herringbone cuffs with patterns throughout this challenge!

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4 comments:

  1. Hi,Mortira:-)
    This is the very nice bracelet.The design in such lively colours can be worn in Summer,matching to many kinds of Summer clothes.The universal style and pattern allows to wear it every day and to get used to it very fast:-)
    There is the quintesence of elegance in simplicity.
    Best Greets-Halinka-

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is a nice thickness for a bracelet. I might have to try the herringbone stitch myself...thanks for the inspiration Mortira!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very pretty! Love the colors and the herringbone!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks everyone! I like how it turned out overall, but I sort of wish I had used a different blue, or at least a third shade. The cobalt really overpowers the palette.

    ReplyDelete

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