Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Work in Process Part 2

I thought I'd share a couple more pictures with you of my Barrel of Monkey's collaboration.  It's coming along nicely, with only a few "tear outs" and "start overs".  It is freeform, like my first cuff.  


I did tear out the blue surround I had originally placed along the outside edge of the pin.  I found it interferred with the flow of beading, although I've come to regret that decision as it did provide a nice termination for the the beadwork.  I'm basically following the lines of the fabric with some modification to add interest and movement.



You can see that I could not resist adding fringe around the pin.  In my defense (although there really is none) I was seeing a gap when I bent the bracelet around my wrist (where I had removed the blue surround).  I wanted to know if the fringe would cover that gap.  Of course it did (I knew it would but needed the excuse to fringe away).  I love the fringe and it would look spectacular on a pendant, I'll have to hunt down more of the teardrop shaped beads. Unfortunately the fringe does make beading in the immediate area difficult, so avoid adding fringe until you're finished with the beading in the immediate area of your focal (do as I say, not as I do).


You can also see I've added eyelets to the outside edge.  I'm going to use ultra-suede lace for this bracelet's closure.  Not only does it add to the whimsy, it allows for some flexibility in sizing.  I'm on the hunt for a cinch button.  I have a couple that will work, but I'm still looking for the perfect one.

I have a long way to go, but it's a fun project and definitely outside of my normal beading.  These are becoming addictive and I have plans for at least three more.

11 comments :

Unknown said...

I love whimsy! This is turning out awesome! I do love your work!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Oh but that fringe really adds an exclamation point to the monkeys expression! It draws the eye in---so I'm all for the fringe. ;)
Really cool!

XXOO!!
Anne

Robbie said...

What a fun piece!!! I love how it's turning out and the fringe is great!!! As always, VERY nice work!

Karyn said...

This is looking awesome - the colours are so happy and vibrant. Gorgeous!

Karyn

Loran Scruggs said...

What fun. I too have been working on a barrel monkey similiar to the plastic one yet in tin...still needs work. Love your writing!!

Unknown said...

Thank you everyone! I'm at the scary stage where I like each element separately, but not together. I know to stick it out, it's amazing how much just the edging will do to tie things together and I appreciate your advice and encouragement.

Loran, I can't wait to see your monkey, I'm a big fan of your work and love monkeys...there's something about them that always makes me smile.

Hugs,
Christine

NAAN POCEN said...

It is beautiful. It's refreshing to come back online and find creativity still in bloom. I've had a rough couple of months that somewhat crippled my creativity amongst other things but I am slowly getting out of the murk. I shall look forward to seeing the finished work.....as a matter of fact I might just follow your cue - collaborate with other artists, that may help rebirth my creative flow, I hope that's OK (to copy your idea)?

Unknown said...

Naan,
It's so good to have you back and I hope things are getting better. I was inspired by other artists to seek out collaborations so I'm thrilled that I in turn inspired you, I'm looking forward to seeing where it takes you! Create away!
Christine

Sue G. said...

I love this piece Christine! It looks like so much fun! Do stick it out - it is going to be great!

Cindy Gimbrone said...

What a great collaboration! Thanks for sharing your progress - I'll look forward to seeing the completed piece! :-)

pepper said...

It's really neat to see the pictures of the progress, cool design!