African Evenings

by Helen
(Toronto Canada)

African Evenings, an item of glass bead artisan jewellery

Artisan jewellery!! I love its quirkiness.

I learned a new technique and, of course, started playing with it.

The technique: Zulu Flowerette Chain ~ I found it at the library, in Diane Fitzgerald's 'Zulu Inspired Beadwork,' Interweave Press, 2007 ISBN 978-1-59668-034-0.

The appearance is of cascading flowerpots overflowing with colourful flowers.

I used gold coloured glass seed beads and lots of colourful beads left over from other projects.

A great way to use up those odds and ends and your inevitable 'bead soup.'

I added a snap to the backside of a beaded button (my own invention) in the shape of a flower. It's easier to do up than other clasps. And, while it is easy to put on and remove, it stays on: I tested it myself.

It's too bad I can add only 1 picture of this bracelet: the closeups and different views are worth seeing.

I know! I'll talk to Rena.

I hope you will be inspired by this piece of glass bead artisan jewellery and that you go to the library to search out the jewellery of other cultures.

Helen

Comments for
African Evenings

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Marvelous piece, Helen!
by: Rena

What a fantastic idea, to use the library for discovering new jewelry techniques and inspirations!

I love your idea for using a snap for the clasp. Bracelets are notoriously difficult for people to put on and take off without help - and a snap would simplify that tremendously!

It would also be an easier clasp for people with arthritis.

I'd love to post more photos of your bracelet. You can contact me and I'll let you know how to send them to me to add here.

Thanks so much, Helen, for sharing your lovely bracelet and the story behind it!

So that's the name...
by: Patricia

of that stitch. It was very popular with the Baltimore Bead society members around the time I moved out of state. I didn't know it's name and have not yet gotten around to learning it. The most interesting thing is that I was just thinking about this the other day.

Great piece!

African Evenings
by: Teresa

This piece is simply stunning! I love the colors and the use of the snap! Excellant idea!

Appreciation
by: Helen

Well thanks for the kind words everybody. It is a wonderful ego boost. I don't know if I can say it here that there is a kit for this bracelet so I won't say it. I'll just say thanks.