Thursday, March 5, 2009

Ocean Beaded Cuff- parts 1 + 2


Awhile back , I told you that my next beaded zipper cuff would have an Ocean theme. Well, i have finished the major beading portion and thought that I would share my progress so far!
First of all , I wanted to show you how I place the zippers. Here is a picture that shows you the genreal idea- I did come along after this picture was taken and added more zippers and trimmed down the fabric portion of the zipper just a bit.



Now for another Ta DA! from To DO!!! Ta Da! Wish that it was that quick, but then it would not be a wonderfully fun and creative original project, would it?? Here is a shot of the finished beading, before I apply the piece to the cuff form and do the beading around the edges to hide the seam between cuff front and cuff back.



Here you can see two detail shots. On this piece, I used some of my personal found treasures. I have incorporated two small pieces of purple clam shell from a Quahog. These wonderful purple pieces are tumbled in the surf and if one is really lucky, they can be found with holes in them! Other sea critters drill holes int he dense shell making them perfect for use as beads, charms or whatever one fancies. As a child I used to discard all of the pieces with 'Worm holes" because I felt that they were not "perfect"- not anymore!!!!! Now my dear Becca, the Purple Picking Queen, knows exactly what mom is looking for and always emerges from the surf with a treasure in hand!!
In this picture , you can see the smallest piece of Wampum (the local Indians used to use the shell as money- the shell bits with the most purple were the most highly valued)- there you have now had your daily history lesson-! The smallest piece that I used is just below and to the left of the purple spiral bead.
The larger piece of wampum can be seen at the bottom right of this detail shot.
the white porcelain button atthe top of this picture is a vintage underwear button- before the days of elastic- you cna tell because of the overly large holes. (that makes two bits of history trivia so far today!) I also used a sea turtle charm, several mother of pearl star beads, a fish bead, a yellow snail shell that I gathered on a beach in Maine when I was 4 or 5, a scallop shell charm and a green porcelain sea horse charm.
The next time you see this piece it will be on it's cuff and completed- soon , I hope- although I have several projects that must take priority, before I can get back to this!
I hope that everyone has a wonderful day! I just got fabulous news that my friends in Victoria Australia ,got a deluge of rain the other day and were finally able to relax a bit about fire dangers!! They have had such a rough summer and my thoughts and prayers continue to be with them!
Peace!

17 comments:

Talking Horses Arts said...

awesome...all my colors..lol.
This is one of the prettiest cuffs I have seen yet!
Andrea.

Pat Winter Gatherings said...

Exquisite!
Pat

Julie said...

What a great way of using zips! I hate sewing them into things so this would be ideal. You have some gorgeous beads and embellishments. Fantastic!

Bel said...

This is stunning Elizabeth, The colours look great. This I am sure must look so beautiful in real life. You sure have been very creative of late lol. And the rain is sure great news for Victoria isn't it. Belinda

Wildflowerhouse said...

Beautiful piece!Sharon

jewelrygirl said...

As usual, it is awesome! I like all the steps you showed.

Thanks!

Camilla La Mer-Soul Art Dolls said...

Elizabeth! This cuff is so very fabulous!!! You may already know that I am from the sea...I was born on Topanga Beach in Malibu, California. I yearn for the sea. Your bracelet is like a drink of fresh water...I love what you do with zippers...Might be fun to try something new with them one day...I'm tempted...

xo Camilla

Anonymous said...

WOW This is really amazing..I have always wanted to know how to beed like that....well done, Elizabeth!!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

It is wonderful. Love the seahorses (I see one in the shape of one of the zippers!)

Trina Lucido said...

I love how you showed the "before" picture ... it's interesting to see how it starts. Stunning!

Ro Bruhn said...

You're so versatile Elizabeth, this is wonderful, it must have taken you hours. What a great way to use up old zipper.
Thanks for your concerns too over our terrible ordeal. We've been told the threat has passed for the present, hopefully things can settle down again now.

Michelle said...

this is really truly spectacular. I love how you used the zippers! The colors and flow and details are amazing. Love it!

Mieke said...

WOW. Love it!!!

Judy said...

You are just a veritable fountain of information! I did not know that about the lingerie buttons!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that cuff! Is that a commissioned piece or will it go to Etsy or the local store where your things are scoffed up? My bet is you won't be able to part with it...and rightly so! It has so much of YOU in it! Simply gorgeous!

xo

Ali said...

You're work is really beautiful, I'm loving it! Will look forward to my next visit!

Jeanne Turner McBrayer said...

This is so gorgeous. You have the most diverse and interesting projects! Love the woven vase, too.

Angie said...

Oh my goodness! That is gorgeous! And it has zippers! It doesn't get any better! Can I use any more exclamation points??!!!!

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