Months ago I saw a piece of Raku on Karen Totten's Starry Road Studio in a triangle shape. I believe it was a pendant with one hole if memory serves me correctly. I was just gaining interest in the curved bracelet focal pieces that I use so much and asked her if she could do the same piece with three holes and a slight curve for a bracelet. She did and here it is.
I am always aware when I begin to design jewelry with a piece such as this its strengths and weaknesses and how it may or may not handle different construction techniques. In this case, the hole on the point was too far to connect with a jump ring small enough that would do the job and not be too large. So I went for metallic rust leather. I don't want to bore you with every thought process that I had last night sitting and staring at this piece listening to it tell me what to do next, but I decided to try connecting the two strands of leather with beads and simple loops like I had seen done with two strands of chain. The lampwork beads are Rustic Copper by Outwest with faceted labradorite. I want to like it, I think I like it, but I'm not sure. It fits well, I can't find a thing wrong with the way it fits, wears or performs as a bracelet.
So, I want to know what you think. Not just "Oh its pretty." I know you will all say that. It would mean a lot to me if each of you that look at this took a moment to tell me what you think of the strap - even if its just a yes or no, but it would also mean a lot to me if you took the time to tell me why you think its a yes or no. In the meantime, I'm going to go ahead and list it in the shop. Its another piece that because of the focal and lampwork beads will be on the pricey side and I don't want to waste such beautiful components on a stupid construction if that is what it is in fact.
The beads do have the ability to slide up and down the leather, but they don't move too much from where you place them.
6 comments:
You answered my one question, whether the beads on the two strap side would move and how much. Other than that, this looks like a good, workable, wearable piece. I would suggest not 2nd guessing yourself. The beads all work well with the focal and I think the stylized "arrowheads" are a good way to carry on the theme. Well done.
I like the bracelet but I'd like to make a suggestion. I like way the beads are on the leather but would like to see more of them. Maybe what is bothering you is that although I am sure it isn't it doesn't "look" quite look balanced.
You know I am not a jewelry designer and you probably don't need my input, but I think it looks fantastic! If it wears well, what's the problem? Maybe an extra bead or two as suggested by Sharon would make you happier with it!
I like this strap and love the balance of the bracelet. I would only suggest adding one bead to the others. Beautiful bracelet...one I would be proud to have.
vickie
Thank you to everyone that posted. Your input was the key - I added three more beads filling the strap and that did it! I added another labradorite and two faceted green agates the color of the green on the bracelet. The new beads are in the tumbler now and I will post pictures tomorrow.
Great plot twist. You don't see the climax coming, and it leaves saying, WOW! :)
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