KIT -- Tiptoe

Description

If you think you know herringbone, you have to try this one, as it's surprising and fun.

Using tubular herringbone, with measured increases and decreases and pearls and picots, form this unusual chain, alternating two coordinating seed bead colours.

Begin in the centre front with a small pearl focal, and then sculpt the rope into what looks like tulips to me (hence the name, from "Tiptoe through the Tulips") or like pussy-willows to others. Switch to smooth tubular herringbone for the back neck, and close with a sterling silver s-hook clasp.

This is probably an intermediate-level pattern, and you should be comfortable with tubular herringbone with a step-up. You won't snooze through it though, as the way the shaping is achieved isn't exactly standard, so you'll need to pay attention!

The kit comes with fully illustrated (via photographs) step-by-step instructions, all the beads, findings and supplies to make a necklace as shown. All you'll need is a beading surface, thread conditioner (I recommend beeswax), good lighting and scissors.

Three colour choices are available: purple and iridescent greyed bronze seed beads with purplish pearls and bright turquoise accents; pearly cream and shimmering green seed beads with golden-beige pearls and gold accents; and matte and shiny teal seed beads with peacock (iridescent bue-grey) pearls and deep blue accents.

Finished length up to 18".

Added on Sep 29, 2009