Opal Collar Complete

Opal Collar
Originally uploaded by satyridae

Ta-da! Here it is. There are LOTS of photos on flickr, click through to view.

I'm very happy with it. It's not listed on etsy yet- but it will be!

Done! Done! Done!

Photos tomorrow!

Opal Collar Strap Prototypes

Opal Collar Strap Prototypes
Originally uploaded by satyridae

Here's a photo of the straps I'm dithering about with. There's a single strand of pearls and gold beads, a 4-bead herringbone rope, a twisted pearl and gold rope, and an 8-bead herringbone rope.

I am leaning toward some combination of these, but I do think the 8-bead herringbone rope is too big.

Waiting For Beads!

I'm not ignoring the collar, exactly. I've a good idea now what to do with the necklace part, but I had to order beads again. In the meantime, I've had houseguests and lots of non-beading activity in my life.

Updates soon!

Opal ... beard?

Opal ... beard?
Originally uploaded by satyridae

Here's what the kid suggested we do with it.

Thanks, Ed. But no.

Opal Collar Step19

Opal Collar 19
Originally uploaded by satyridae

The collar is done! I edged it with gold and crystals and it's done, done, done!

But I don't know what I want to do for a chain, how I want to suspend it around the neck.

Opal Collar Step 18

Opal Collar Step 18
Originally uploaded by satyridae

This is the backside of the opal collar. It's covered in a very soft leather, over a small amount of fiberfill. The pillowy look helps it look like it's floating.

Sewing the Collar

It's been cold and dark and rainy here. Big surprise, it IS Oregon in the winter, right? I've been working on the opal collar. First I had to find a piece of leather that was soft enough, supple enough, strong enough and the right color. That took longer than I expected. Now I'm sewing the leather backing onto the back of the collar. I'm adding a little bit of fiberfill for a puffed texture. Yes, I realize having a photo would be good. I'm working on it. :-)

In the meantime, I've made 3 new necklaces in my Coco line. I've listed 2 of them and plan to list the third today. I do like making things with my own lampworked beads!