Maharanee

(2010) 16" length, beetle wings, various size 15 and size 11 seed beads, delica beads, triangle beads, nylon thread, art glass beads.

This necklace started out as a bracelet. I had the idea of adding all of the paisleys side by side and closing them with a snap-button closure. But when I was done with all the components they persistently arranged themselves as a necklace - so I finally gave in!

The paisleys are reversible, which is a new one for me! I glued two beetle wings together and gave them a bead setting that encloses them from either side (a bitch to thread!), then I finished the paisleys in regular circular brick stitch and embellished the outer edge with picot stitch.

Once all paisleys were done I threaded them together with some peacock luster art glass beads using one bead as a closure. The necklace is very mobile, very light-weight, and very spiny and impressive! Nice winter and fall piece for any kind of low-cut boat-neck dress or sweater!