Weaving away!

I love turquoise and gold and that's the combination I went with for this Kumihimo weave necklace.  I wanted to incorporate some beads into this design and these Kazuri ceramic beads were perfect.  They have a base of turquoise with gold accents.  It takes a bit more work to include beads during the weave but adds such a nice little umph! to the design.  Here's a quick summary of what's involved in the process:

• Cut all the cords
• Thread the beads onto the cords.  Normally you thread on the beads for the entire necklace but since I was adding beads I only added the beads for the necklace section before the bead
• Set them up on the marudai (the wood weaving apparatus)
• Start weaving!

Here are some shots as I worked.

As you can see I had to add a bit more weight (my tools) to keep the weaving balanced :)

And here is an upclose shot of the necklace in its beginning.


And many hours later the beads are incorporated into the design and weaving continues.

At this point I have to add in the rest of the beads to complete the necklace.  So off I go to string them on and finish the weaving.  I'll be back when I'm done.

The weaving is done and now I just have to add the clasp.  I love this color combo!

Featured ETSY artist #35 of 90 - arosebyname

As I wander through Anna's shop I just ohhhh and ahhhh at the gorgeous beadwork designs she creates. I've tried it and just get REALLY tense trying to beadweave anything! LOL! However - I really want to be able to weave a tube for bracelets so I'm going to take a class and see if someone can teach me more so perhaps I can find it relaxing to bead. I have doubts about it since I've cross-stitched for years and never got relaxed doing it. OK - back to Anna's Etsy store, arosebyname ... As I said, she makes stunning designs with beads and here is a gorgeous bracelet in a wonderful, emerald green with gold accents - Golden Verdigris. Isn't it beautiful! Here's another beauty - Linked to the Sea. I can't even imagine the number of hours it took to hand bead each link and there are 7,040 beads in this necklace! Truly a labor of love and a steal at twice the price! I can guarantee I'll never have the patience for this level of beading. Anna my hat is off to you! Want to see more? Then quick, click and visit Anna's Etsy store arosebyname! Want to know more about what Anna is up to? Then be sure to check out her blog.