ROYAL TUDOR BRACELET
- 15/0 seed beads Miyuki "Metallic Gunmetal" (451)
- 11/0 seed beads Miyuki "Metallic Gunmetal" (451)
- 8/0 seed beads Miyuki "Metallic Gunmetal" (451)
- Ginko beads "Purple Vega"
- 3mm druks "Lilac Vega Luster"
- 4mm druks "Lilac Vega Luster"
This "Royal Tudor Bracelet" pattern is by Norma Jean Dell and you can buy it HERE in her Etsy shop. Norma Jean's instructions are very easy to follow and she includes diagrams as well as photos for each step.
The bracelet is fun and relatively easy to make if you're an experienced beader. I don't recommend it for beginners because of the somewhat complicated thread path.
One thing that is a little tricky is figuring out how long to make the bracelet. That's because you first make all of the components and then go down both sides to add the netting beads. When these beads are added, they cause the entire bracelet to shrink quite a bit. The instructions say that ten components should make a bracelet that measures about 6 1/4 inches long before the clasp and jump rings are added. That sounded about right to fit my 6-inch wrist so I made mine that length. However, it's actually a little too long so nine components would have made for a better fit. My completed bracelet with the clasp and two jump rings measures 7 1/2 inches. Unless I'm making a very wide bracelet, or one with very chunky beads, most of the ones I make measure about 6 3/4 inches long with the clasp.
The instructions don't say how much thread is needed so I started with four yards and that was just about right. I used Nymo D thread and had no trouble getting through the 15/0 beads.
Oh! Very nice! I can also see this with the components "rotated" (sort of like you modified Presa Linda), but connected with a little extra netting along the sides of the existing end druks, or maybe without end druks and linking to a larger druk. So many ideas. Have you tried that yet? (Love the color combo too.)
ReplyDeleteBarbara H.
Thanks, Barbara. It did cross my mind to rotate the components but I haven't tried it. I wonder though if the way the motifs are cupped might cause issues with them turned the other direction.
DeleteLovely! I too think I'd like the rotated component option, but I love it as is. I think it would also make a lovely necklace as is. Anxious to give this design a try now that I finally have some ginko beads. TFS!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle.
DeleteOh, I didn't notice the cupping but now that you mention it I can see it. That motif looks like it might make a great earring, too.
ReplyDeleteIt would make pretty earrings if they were more stable but the motifs would collapse. They don't do that when you wear the bracelet but I think they would if they were hanging. I'm looking at my bracelet right now and I'm wondering if using Toho seed beads might make for a flatter motif that doesn't collapse. I avoided using Toho beads because I thought that the netting might come out too messy.
DeleteWhat if you reinforce the thread path as you go? Would that lend stability?
DeleteThe pattern is designed to make the motifs come out cupped. Here is a quote from the pattern: "Embellishment (This is what causes the beadwork components to have the dome shape. Keep a fairly tight tension throughout.)" By the way, Norma Jean also used Miyuki seed beads to make her example bracelets.
DeleteAbsolutely it will make a beautiful earring. It would also make a nice dainty pendant for a satin cord or ribbon or a simple chain for a more petite look.
ReplyDeleteThank you guys!! I do use Miyuki seed beads but that is just my preference. Give the Tohos a try and see what happens! About the approximate length, it is always influenced by tension. I use a very tight tension usually, probably says a lot about my personality (LOL) which will shorten lengths typically! I hope you continue to experiment and enjoy!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Norma Jean. Thanks for your pattern and tips.
DeleteI use a lot of tension too! Perfectionism? Insecurity? Type A, whatever that means? ;)
DeleteLove your design. TFS!