June 25, 2010

Wired Bead Crochet

I've wired bead crochet ropes for necklace and lariat closures many times. Since the actual rope is a tube it's easy to thread a wire up through it and make shapes that stay put with the ropes. The one problem is that if you use a heavy fringe or largish Art Bead then it tends to pull the rope down and you end up wearing a choke collar . . . not too comfortable!

A couple of years ago I solved that problem with the addition of a "zipper toothed" section of rope that the wired spiral catches upon - and stays where you put it. No more rope tightening around your neck.
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I've had several people ask me for a pattern for this necklace - well now there is a pattern. I started out by telling one person what beads I had used and by the end of the day I had pulled together a full set of instructions for making this particular necklace. Sometimes I don't know when to stop.
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for sale at Bead Patterns
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This necklace uses some unique Czech 11/0 square seed beads, however it would have the same scaly effect done with the Toho, sharp edged, triangle beads. My idea was to keep it monochromatic so as to not take away from the the Art Bead itself. There is enough texture here in the different bead sized pattern sections to make it interesting and balance the rope portion of the necklace.
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I found the perfect place to find brass tubes and drop beads that would work in this necklace. One of my favorite Maine bead shops . . . Beadin' Path. I originally used some vintage brass components that I'd had for years. I get into big trouble when I visit them as they also have the most extensive collection of new and vintage Lucite ... just yummy things.
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This is the type of design that needs the Art Bead to be chosen first and then pull together an ensemble of monochromatic beads that compliments it. I made the rope and then had to wait for a year for that perfect bead to show up. Like a lot of beaders, you do the jewelry first and then go find a dress to go with it.
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So, this solves a problem and keeps you from trying to wear a choke collar when you want a nice large Art bead on the end of a bead-crochet rope.

2 comments:

  1. How much would you sell a necklace like that please? a similar one of mine was stolen and i am keen to replace it...thanks

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  2. Ningo, Please email me privately about this. My email is in my profile or "About me".

    ReplyDelete