The Tubular Series: Quan Yin and Coral

This pretty carnelian Quan-yin carving serves as the focal point for this dramatic tubular peyote necklace made from 2-3mm coral beads. The tiny and sharp holes called for an extra fine (sz15) needle and a switch to 4-pound Fireline from my usual Silamide thread. (For abrasion resistance) As careful as I was, the beads were prone to splitting at the slightest provocation. So this rope took much longer to make than it would have had I been working with glass beads. Nevertheless the result is worth it! However I would recommend to anyone who wants to make this kind of necklace with tiny stone beads that they buy plenty extra to make up for the splitters. Completed 1-3-11 >>MPK

The Tubular Series: For Marilyn

In May, I got a request to enclose a special Tiger Eye pendant for a friend. This cabochon was already in a golden-colored bezel setting which didn't need to be removed. I stitched around the cabochon in the bezel as if it was an entire cabochon, covering the old bezel. Gold galvanized beads were added to the Cafe Latte #11 Czech bead mix from Beadwrangler, to match the golden leaf clasp and the matching earrings. Completed 6-11-10 >>MPK

The Tubular Series: Glass in the Forest

The dichroic glass pendant on this necklace was a challenge because of its creamy interior and its odd shape. I chose to hang it horizontally and added the green blister pearl to balance it. The #11 Japanese beads have a peacock green finish and because they are cylindrical, rather than quoit-shaped, they have a sparkle to them in the rope as well. The clasp is a rectangular Jill MacKay design. Completed 5-10-10 >>MPK

The Tubular Series: Fossil Coral

This fossil coral cabochon intrigued me with its spiral pattern, not its rather beigy colors. The #11 Czech bead mix, called "Caffe Latte" (From Beadwrangler) does have some matte blue-grey colors in it, which compliments the beige/tan of the cabochon. I am sure that I'll use this mix for other stone cabochons that I have in my collections, as it suits the natural earthy colors. Completed 4-5-10 >>MPK

The Tubular Series: Petrified Wood

This beautiful, color-saturated, piece of petrified wood defied coordinating beads until I got this mix of Czech #11 beads called (Woodland Forest" (from Beadwrangler). It does contain some light browns and pale orange, and really compliments the creamy orange of the cabochon. I'm not much for orange and brown but this is one of my favorite summer pieces to wear. Completed 3-10-10 >>MPK

The Tubular Series: Geode Crystal

Years ago, when I was into cracking geodes to view their beautiful insides, I had a smallish one that remained in my cabochon box for a while. As I developed the skills to enclose it in beads I gradually saw it as a pendant rather than as a pin. The piece has both crystals and druzy crystals which show as a white patch in the picture. A small dangle of clear crystal beads adds to the pendant. The smooth matte charcoal-grey Czech #11 beads which compliment it were purchased at a show. I have never seen them again. Completed 1-10 >>MPK