And now for the bail

[michelle]

So I’ve since finished the edging on this piece and it’s buttoned up. What didn’t occur to me was how to manage the bail. On the blue one that I did similarly, the top glass had a straight top edge, instead of the slant that this one has, so it was easy to make a beaded bail. I’ll admit that the slanted edge is giving me pause. I’m open to suggestions. Help! 😄

[caeterle]

You had ten beads on the blue pendant. I would make this one slimmer, so you can "hide" the slanted edge. Actually, I would probably give it a triangle bail, so it's smaller at the bottom, but you make it bigger going up until you feel it's big enough to fit the pendant.
Another idea would be to make a bail that doesn't start from the outer edge, but from the back, i.e. you bead a strip and sew it on in the back.
Third idea, not a beaded bail at all, but a nice metal one that fits the metallic silver beads in color and that you can sew or glue on.

If you can imagine trying one of these, I can also go into details. It's just what came to my mind first.

[DawninCal]

I will leave a solution for the bail to you and Cat as this is beyond my skills. I just wanted to say how beautiful that is and the bright pink is so bold and fun. Looking forward to seeing it when finished.

Oh...and I read the title as "And Now for the Ball" so was expecting to see a ball when I opened the thread. I was so confused!



Dawn

[michelle]

Cat, in the middle of the night, I thought about starting on the back so I could make it straight. I’m glad you came up with that idea too. I hadn’t thought of a triangular one that is more narrow at the bottom. I like that idea too. You’ve given me some great ideas. Now to pick one. LOL! If I were to do the triangular one, which stitch would you recommend? Thanks so much, Cat! I knew you would know.

Sorry Dawn! I didn’t mean to be misleading. 🤨 And thanks so much! This bright pink is definitely a cheerful color.

[DawninCal]

No worries, Michelle. It wasn't your title, it was my tired, aging eyes.

You are welcome - I'm a big fan of pink in all of it's various shades.



Dawn

[caeterle]

Michelle, look up triangle bail or warped triangle bail on YouTube or even puffy star (which is made up from squares that if warped turn into two layer triangles). It's done in peyote and really isn't difficult once you got the idea.
You can also make a non-warped one if you don't want the tips sticking out, but want straight sides. Do peyote and start from the middle with as many beads as you would like the top part to be wide and then decrease on both sides using the ends to sew to the pendant. Again, if I don't make enough sense, let me know. It's still early here

You will be showing this in Show & Tell once you have finished it, won't you?


By the way, I had wanted to comment on the blog post you deleted, the first time I just went over it quickly and when I came back it was gone. It's about the round bead embroidery. I have a tip for you on that as well if you'd like.

[michelle]

Thanks, Cat! I will enjoy watching those You Tube videos. And of course I will share it. This group is the one that appreciates it the most.

I’d love to hear your ideas on my “circular” piece. I’ll attach it here.

[DawninCal]

Oooo! I like where you are going with that one, Michelle!



Dawn

[caeterle]

I seem to remember that you were not happy with how the circle turned out although I'm not sure of the details anymore. My tip would be to start with the outer circle first. Take a compass and mark the circle, don't cut a circle out of the felt right away. Then do that circle and work inwards. Glue on the cab next to one of the rows in the spot where you want it and keep on working from there. I find it easier that way if the cab itself isn't round and if you don't put it in the center.

[brad]

Beadwork is beyond my craft/art knowledge to offer much. But I enjoy looking at your beadwork. Brad

[michelle]

Thanks Brad!

My issue, Cat is that I’ve already beaded the background in black beads. I realized that I should have started at the outside after I was done. 🤣 I am seriously thinking of taking the backf=ground off an starting it over. I think it’s the only way, I’ll ever be satisfied with it. For the record, this On my way was inspired by the Christmas challenge - there is a brief mention of the moon. What else have I learned from this piece? That peyote stitch is not great on something that isn’t round. That’s why there are extra strands going across the moon, pulling it in. But that was a happy accident. I like the look.

[caeterle]

I know, Michelle. I meant for future pieces, but to be honest, I think you are a lot like me and will obsess over it and rip it up in the end, anyway.
It will be worth it, I'm sure. The moon is beautiful. You are right, peyote works on drops, squares, it doesn't have to be symmetrical, but if the stone is going inwards on one side, that's a problem. I have only ever seen pieces like those with strands like yours. Do you remember my blue crystal brooch? That's exactly why it has beads going across the stone.
The strands work beautifully, though. They give the moon some extra sparkle. I also love the little star, so clever!

[Irith-Rita]

I don't do beaded jewelry but my eyes like this beaded half moon and star with the round background. I am sure that when you finish it, it will be perfect.

[michelle]

Thanks for the encouragement, Cat and Irith. Yeah, I’ll either remove the black background or chuck it in a drawer. But the drawer does work it’s magic sometimes. I found a piece I started, didn’t like it, and it got chucked into a drawer. I found it the other day and have no idea why I didn’t like it now. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[caeterle]

I hope we'll get to see that one soon, Michelle