I've joined a really fun group of beaders called The Beading Babes, and here is the result of my first project with them. It's a variation of a pattern that was published in the June issue of Bead & Button by the fabulously talented Helena Tang-Lim. Her original necklace is titled Echoes of Nefertiti; I'm calling my set Nefertiti Goes Bollywood.
Lucky for me, the Beading Babes and Helena Tang-Lim have been very understanding of my near inability to follow directions. You'd think a pattern designer would have more respect for other people's designs, wouldn't you? You'd think I'd appreciate the hours and hours that someone put into designing a piece and writing up the directions; you'd think I'd follow those painstakingly drawn diagrams right down to the last bead.
But you'd be wrong.
When I see a design that I love, it always sends my thoughts off in a dozen different directions. I immediately start with the "what-ifs;" I want to turn necklaces into bracelets and earrings, and earrings into chokers. I want to take bits of the design and rearrange them; add new bits, and swap out beads. A good design fires up my creative juices and inspires me to play with it; the best designs take me places I never would have gone on my own.
It's like taking a vacation for me. With other people's patterns, I get the chance to go to new places and see new things and get all excited about my own craft again; and, just like when I'm on vacation, I can't resist slipping away from the group and wandering down that enticing little alley. I love to get lost in new places; this time, with Nefertiti as my guide, I found an alley in Egypt that took me to India.
Thank you, Beading Babes and Helena Tang-Lim!
12 comments:
I am right there with you....what did I do? Herringbone is one of my least favorite...so I went spiral. Shame on me.
I love where it took you! And I love hearing how you stray.....it is wonderful to see where the bits will take you.
I feel the same way. I know that designers put so much into their designs but I find that they are so much more impressed when you take the design to a totally different level. This totally blew me away! I know Helena loves it too!
I like what you've done with Helena's pattern, and I love your "what if's" approach to pattern-following. As a fellow designer, I get really excited when I see my students taking that next step to apply my design to their own new ideas.
How gorgeous!!!!!! I love your wander down the alley!!! I never would have thought of using those bronzy bits and they are just fab!! :) I bet Helena really likes it!!!!
I love your version Cynthia and I saw how Helena was more than happy with what you did. Its great to see where other beaders take the level of creativity to.
100% blown away by this gorgeous set. I love where you took this pattern - and I'm just drooling over it!!!!!
Absolutely stunning! I adore that you created using Helena's pattern. If you ever decide to sell this set be sure to let me know!!!
Thanks for taking part in Beading Babes. I look forward to seeing you for Project 6!
Karyn
Your interpretation of this pattern is great. What a show stopping set. This post was a pleasure to read as well.
These are beautiful! I like how you went outside of the box and did it your way.
Therese
This is such a lovely set :-) I remember how quickly you got it together too.
I have a lot of trouble following designs, mostly because I have skinny wrists and a skinny neck, but also because it feels like cheating to follow a tutorial to the letter. I love designs that lend themselves to alterations :-)
Love what you have done with this set. Interpretation is great.
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