I recently got a jointed mermaid tail pendant from Brooke Bock. Before I even received it, I had a design in mind. I had seen a tutorial by Andrew Thornton for an amulet necklace. I have been collecting meaningful charms, and intended to make something very close this his design, and I still will. But I have also come to love working with fibers, and I’m thinking of different ways to use them because I only “need” so many fiber tassel necklaces. I envisioned a more square shaped frame with mixed fibers hanging like seaweed, and the mermaid tail in the middle.
I used Andrew’s tutorial to help me figure out how to make the frame since I don’t work a lot with wire and often manage to twist it the wrong way, get frustrated and quit. It really came together quite easily with the instruction. I also used the tips about texturing the sides of the frame both to flatten it and then give it that hammered look to be a little fancier.
I often shy away from adding “too many” things with a pendant because I worry it will take the spotlight off the art bead or other special component. However, that means my designs are not always as complex as I would like. I decided to let that concern go and proceed with my vision. The mixed “seaweed” look is something I’ve used before in artwork. I just really like the flowy feeling and ability to use a variety of colors, patterns, and texture.
I’m really happy with the bold, arty look of my finished necklace.
Bead Love 