This one's a keeper

Here is a bracelet I have been working on for a few weeks and which I recently shared a preview of in My Creative Space.

It's created using those very addictive Sparkly Wheels by Melinda Barta which you have been seeing a bit of lately.

I absolutely love the versatiliy of these wheels and the way they can look completely different depending on the colour combination you choose.

This time I have used gorgeous Tigers Eye and Picasso mix 3mm fire polished beads and size 15/0 seed beads as well as some round Tigers Eye beads.

I absolutely adore this colour combination and the Tigers Eye and Picasso mix beads have become a firm favourite of mine.

The cabochon is Tiger Iron (however it was sold to me as Tigers Eye) and has been beaded and backed with brown leather.

I normally back my pieces with Ultrasuede but lately I have been enjoying using leather. I think it gives the piece a  more professional look.

The leather I have used however is a bit thick so I had a bit of trouble getting the needle through but got there in the end!

I've just ordered a 1 pound bag of deer leather scraps which should be perfect for backing smaller sized cabochons. I've been told that this leather is super soft so I can't wait to use it.

I have to admit I have been wearing this nearly every day.

I think a necklace to match is in order.

Isn't it nice when you make yourself a piece that you adore.

♥

Ice Queen Challenge - another sneaky peaky

I am making steady progress on my collar piece which, as you will know from previous posts, I am entering in the Bead Mavens Ice Queen Challenge.

A few of my original design plans are now...shall I say... on the wayside... but I am still happy with the result so far.

All that is needed to do now is back the piece with leather, attach the edge beads and construct the necklace.

I am hoping the leather isn't too much of a bother to stitch.I usually use ultrasuede but silly old me didn't check to see whether I had enough cream suede and yep you guessed it... I don't have enough!

I figured I'd have plenty, not taking into account that this piece is a lot bigger than my usual pendant size embroidered pieces. Not to worry. I think the leather will give the piece a luxurious feel!

Mental note for next time though is to check how much suede you have before you start stitching the piece if you have a deadline to meet!

I've thoroughly enjoyed working on my very first collar. My crystal ball sees a few more collars in my future!!

Entries for the Ice Queen Challenge are due 28 November so I will be sharing the final product with you in a few days!

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Just a reminder also that if you haven't voted in the

Artbeads

"What Inspires You''
contest

then be sure to drop by and take a look.

Voting is open until 8 December but vote now as you may forget later!

Here is a link to the piece I entered

Happy voting!

♥