This necklace was designed for the Etsy Beadweaver's May 2011 Challenge theme, Lord of the Rings. When designing for this challenge, I looked at still photos of the costumes from the film, however I did not wish to make a recreation of anything I saw. I wanted to make a design that would be suitable for and inspired by the character. When I looked at Arwen's costumes I became aware that many of her accessories and her crown had a stylised butterfly motif. I had purchased a gorgeous clay cabochon from artist Lisa Peters a few weeks ago, and decided that it would be an ideal starting point for the necklace I wanted to make.
This necklace uses multiple bead work techniques including bead embroidery, peyote stitch, beaded fringe and spiral rope. As well as Lisa's beautiful cab, there are 3 labradorite gemstone ovals, 2 teardrop shaped vintage glass nail heads, Vintaj antiqued brass filigrees, and a Swarovski crystal rivoli. The beadwork uses both Czech seed beads and Japanese seed beads and bugle beads, and Swarovski crystal bicones and freshwater pearls. There are about 40 hours beading time in this piece.
The necklace measures 18" around the neck including the clasp, with a 2 inch extender chain. From the centre front to the tip of the longest fringe is about 7 3/4". This necklace is one of a kind.
All metal used in my jewellery is either Sterling silver (92.5% silver), fine silver (99.5% silver), or gold-filled and is sourced wherever possible from fair trade sources. Many of my glass and crystal beads come from family-run companies.
Please visit the Etsy Beadweaver's Team blog, where you can vote for your favourite design amongst this month's challenge entries: (http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com)
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