Copper Bracelet WIP update

I didn't get much accomplished yesterday, at least as far as jewelry-making is concerned.

I got my "paper bracelet" laid out (above pic) and started marking my hole placements. The glass cabochon is still not set.

Here's another look at the paper version - they're pretty similar!

Today, I hope to get the holes drilled, and the sections connected. I'm contemplating etching another piece of copper with the same pattern, and making a matching toggle and bar. Maybe. I also need to set the glass cab, but we'll see what develops.... My plans somehow always seem to go awry, so I don't want to put too much on my To Do list!

Freeform Netting Necklace Update

This is how my freeform netting necklace (WIP!) looks this morning (it's my first attempt at freeform netting; I started it a couple of weeks ago):

freeform netting WIP

freeform netting detail

The embellishment beads I'm adding are citrine (in about 7 different sizes, shapes, and colors - look at those gorgeous faceted citrine rounds in the pic above!), hessonite, and freshwater pearls.

The necklace is in the "ugly duckling" stage right  now, where I'm not loving it too much. I still love the colors, but the stitching just isn't there yet. But I know if I keep working with it, it will turn out fine! It's funny how freeform pieces almost always go through these "ugly duckling" phases!

I haven't been able to work on it as much as I'd like, so this project is stretching out, time-wise. I have to regroup and gather my thoughts on this one every time I sit down to work on it, because it's been so long since the last time I worked on it! I hate when my beading gets interrupted!

I somehow got the piece twisted yesterday as I was stitching the last row; I ended the row at the stop bead, instead of on the opposite side. Oops. I looked to see if it made a difference, and I couldn't really tell, due to the wandering freeform stitching I had been doing in the middle section (the embellished section). This wandering stitching was what let me lose my place to begin with, and it's what makes me love the look of freeform, but since this happened at the end of the day, and I was tired, I need to take a fresh look at it this morning. I'll either half to take out half a row (no big deal with netting) or I'll just pick up where I put it down last night, and keep stitching.

I need to make the side pieces a little wider, so they are more proportional to the clasp I plan to stitch for this piece. Then I'll embellish the sides, and continue working with the front.

When I finish this necklace, instead of putting all the beads away, I'm going to make a freeform bracelet to go with it (hopefully, accompanied by one of my beady bloggy friends!). I am really crazy about these neutral colors!

Flat Spiral - WIP

This is my first attempt at flat spiral:

It is a "graduated necklace" - not exactly graduated, but the portion in front is larger than the side pieces, because it has a large rondelle as the center bead, and the side pieces downsize to a 4 mm firepolish bead in the center of the spiral.

Flat spiral works up incredibly quickly; I have seen a lot of bracelets in this stitch, and have always wanted to try it.

The center portion of my necklace, with the rondelle, would make a terrific bracelet. I am withholding opinion on the necklace until it is finished; I'm not sure whether I like the effect. And I'm worried that the center portion won't lie flat against the neck. We'll see!

I have to stitch about 1.5 inches more on each side, and then I am going to create a hand-woven clasp, because nothing in my stash is quite right for this piece.

I'll show you the results when it's done!