Saturday, February 23, 2013

Freeform Peyote Challenge

A while ago, Karen Williams and Mandi Ainsworth put their heads together and challenged their readers to create something with freeform peyote.

I've only worked in freeform a few times, here and here, but I enjoyed it each time.  I was eager for the chance to try my hand again.

For this challenge, I dug out a mix of beads I had originally bought for this necklace.  I started stringing and realized I didn't have enough beads for a full necklace.  I continued, though, and improvised a bit.


I took the freeform strand and wove it through this awesome chain.


I made a freeform loop at either end of my beadwork and attached a toggle with a bit of "bling."


I finished the necklace with a length of velvet ribbon and a bit more "bling."


I'm a bit disappointed I wasn't able to do a full necklace, but I'm pleased with this.  It's a bit funky and formal and I can see myself wearing it with a t-shirt or with a little black dress.

If you want to try your hand at freeform peyote, you can find Karen's book, Freeform Peyote Beading, on Amazon.

Karen and Mandi, thank you for a fun challenge.

Please take time to visit the other participants and see what beady goodness they created.

Cohosts

Tanya Goodwin  -  you are here

25 comments:

  1. You know, it's funny how a freeform piece totally dictates how it wants to be made. I so love how this necklace came out, winding through the circles. This is such a great idea, and the velvet at the back is a wonderful, soft touch. Thank you for some great inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  2. oh Tanya how beautifully unique!! When I heard freeform peyote I automatically went to a bracelet. But WOW this is such a wonderful piece - it makes me want to try a necklace!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tanya I think it is so great that you combined the freeform with that cool chain. It looks great together and gives the necklace a real presence. I personally just love to wear and make freeform necklaces. They dress up anything, even a Tshirt and jeans but never look too dressy but they get a person lots of attention.

    ReplyDelete
  4. oh Tanya, there is nothing to be disappointed about here! You have the perfect amount of beads, metal, soft ribbon, bling...it all looks completely purposeful, not to mention versatile. This can really go either elegant or edgy. Beautifully done! You always post the best jewelry!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What an inspired decision to use the beautiful chain as an element in your Freeform design! I love the extra bling-y touches, they really elevate the design to that 'little black dress' level. Great job and great improvising!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Awesome, Tanya! I love the addition of the chain. Looks edgy and I hope you enjoy wearing it :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is a great piece! I really dig it. Super job!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a fun, original idea! The chain links emphasize and enhance the look for your freeform peyote and vice versa. What a great improv - it looks like you designed it exactly that way.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love your combination of chain, peyote and velvet, very wearable

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is a great combination of materials and techniques -- and it just shows how versatile freeform can be. It really does play well with others, doesn't it? I know you'll enjoy wearing this.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Inspiring is the word - oh YES!! It's WONDERFUL that you were able to make such gorgeous design decisions when faced with less beads than you thought you had!! Incredible work!! I'm thrilled to have come across you and your work during this challenge, and I am looking forward to following your blog. Beautiful piece!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Except, of course, I am already a follower and have been for some time, and simply lost my mind for a moment because I was so overwhelmed with your design... ;)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Don't for a minute be disappointed, the necklace turned out gorgeous...love the touch of bling!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Freeform with chain?! What a clever and gorgeous combination! It's something that the ladies over at Blue Buddha Boutique would love to see, I bet -- there are all kinds of chain maille weaves that would look awesome beaded.

    Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I LOVE THIS NECKLACE! What an incredible piece. Stunning.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I absolutely love how you mixed ribbon and metal with your freeform, it's fantastic!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am a big fan of your bead work and you scored high again today. Love the chain, velvet and bling. wow! Who would know that free form goes with that so well!

    ReplyDelete
  18. What an awesome idea, Tanya! It looks gorgeous! There is definitely nothing to be disappointed about. I LOVE it!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great combinations, they all work well together, very pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a neat multimedia necklace! I do really like the texture you have in the beadwoven part! Good job.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I would never have thought of using rings like that, but I am glad you did, cos its awesome. Great job.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Tanya,
    Wow you never disappoint in a challenge your necklace is awesomely beautiful. I like that you used ribbon around the back of the neck it makes it softer. You are so right, dressed up or down this necklace will make any outfit spectacular.
    Therese

    ReplyDelete
  23. Very funky, and VERY creative Tanya...love it!

    ReplyDelete