Something a Little Different. With an Owl!

I'm getting in to my stash now of pewter totem beads from Happy Mango. I used this little owl totem for this bracelet. Standard gauge Greek leather fit nicely through the holes of the lampwork (chevron pattern beads in goldenrod and carnelian red by Being Beads, and commercial "mocha swirl" lampwork beads) I wanted to use, and the turquoise glass spacers slid right on there.  (I was thinking of naming it "Harbinger of Death", or maybe "Mortality", in honor of traditional Native American owl symbolism but I thought it might be a turn-off).
 

I left a little space between some of the knots to add more dangling beads--carnelian pebbles, picture jasper, turquoise and trade beads hang from hand-forged sterling silver ball headpins. Pewter crimp ends with hand-forged hook clasp. I took apart some of my antique-silver-plated steel 5mm rolo chain from Lima Beads and used the links as spacers (they're already out of stock again! glad I loaded up!). I managed to restrain myself with this one--instead of getting overexcited and making a 10" cankle bracelet it is only 7 and 3/4" long. Perfect for a 6 and 1/4"-1/2" wrist, but it can be lengthened by about 1/4" with a bigger clasp. It helps when you only have a handful of beads!

I recently discovered that there is such a thing as 1mm Greek leather, so I can string Kelley Wenzel's baby raku beads on leather too! (I'm hoarding some of her beads, and she's going to make me more of her baby black raku, melon/mustard raku, and some of the red/silver/black!! I can't wait!!) I have therefore ordered this leather in red, marigold, dark blue, black, brown, and oatmeal (it also comes in dark green but I didn't get any of that). However, before ordering this leather I had already filled up my cart at Fire Mountain with 1mm waxed cotton cord (been wanting to try it) in red, turquoise, lime, lemon green, navy blue, dark green, chocolate, and black. Phew! I want to use them ALL at the same time. In fact, I'm going to make a maypole in the front yard.

Acquired Wealth

As opposed to inherited wealth. I have neither. (Unless you count my beads. I have converted a good portion of my negotiable currency to beads and bead-related items. When we experience a complete societal breakdown and dissolution of our financial markets I'll be the richest broad in town.)

The pendant on the necklace above was entitled, on the Happy Mango Beads site where I found it, "Acquired Wealth." Maybe this is what rich Ghanaians wear, or used to wear, as a badge of wealth. I don't know. But I keep rubbing it like a Buddha, hoping some of that wealth will come my way. (Well, if somebody buys it, it will.)

I was sitting in my studio (which we also use as a living room), pondering what I should make, feeling a little bit of designer's block. I went and pawed through my pendant stash and came up on this one, with a vague idea for a color scheme. I actually then completed a necklace with it and didn't like it. So I cut it up and started over. Kept the garnet and carnelian, and added the "trade beads" (I'm not entirely sure about this, as the 12-year-old clerk at the bead store seemed to be improvising when I asked her what they were--if anybody can verify this, please do!). They look like red agate to me with some sort of etched stripe applied--they're really stunning. (The little girl also informed me they were planning to stick around, which I hope was true.) I'm wishing now I had used some wire spiral tubes I made instead of the commercial ones that are on there, but I think it's all right.

I really need to get a life.