Pink Pearls And Other Projects

Alright, let's see. I started the day the same way I had ended the last, cutting apart a pearl necklace. The pink pearls were a pain in the neck to dismantle since they were knotted between each pearl. The larger pearls were simply strung making that a breeze. For the pink pearls I opted to use black thread and went smaller, size 20. Even with the smaller thread, getting these loaded on the ball was like pulling teeth. I actually had to use a pair of pliers to hold the beading needle to pull them on. I'm sure a smaller beading needle would have helped, but that would have required buying a new one as I break them all the time and have none on hand.

I went with a basic chain because I like the unpredictable curve giving the whole length an interesting undulation rather than the perfectly straight look that results from a Josephine knot chain. I thought about doing a tutorial for this technique, but like all things that goes on a long list. It is rather simple to do and I think it really transforms an otherwise simple set of pearls. I've got a few left over from the long one so I can use the remaining ones to make a shorter version perhaps with an actual clasp and use that creation to make the tutorial.

The gloves still slumber as I make another mask upon which to apply sequins. I finished the tatting of that one late yesterday evening and I even had time to start with the sewing of said sequins. I started with the eyes as that is the only place I know for sure I want the things. Like my other attempt, this process is strictly a make it up as I go along. Remember how I was talking about how I design the other day. It was in response to a thread on intatters, which I should honestly go respond to, but I lurk there more often than talk. Anyway, one had responded that there were in fact rules to design and though they are probably right, I literally laughed out loud when I read it. I know there are rules for every art, I just don't bother. Am I lazy? Hell yeah, I'm lazy, but it's more than that. Creation is visceral for me, if I can't do flying by the seat of my pants, if it's 'real work', then why do it? Fine, without knowing the 'rules' I will never be the next great tatting designer, there are already some ridiculously amazing ones. I will probably never get a book deal, there are plenty of those anyway. I'll keep working with my blinders on, thank you very much.

I digress...again. I'll be working on the mask today and then I finally received some supplies that said they were delivered months ago. Apparently they were in post office limbo or something. Anyway, they were for a belly dance necklace that has yet to be designed. I was going to simply embellish an existing necklace with the coins and bells, but I think I might get a bit more ambitious and whip up a new design or at least a new variation on an existing one to give it more of that middle eastern feel. There is also one more project in the pipeline awaiting approval before it moves forward. I guess at this point the gloves are a side project, a rather large side project, but still not a huge priority, even though I know there are those waiting with bated breath.