The most wonderful thing about FreeForm Peyote – there are no rules! Select any beads you like without questioning their size or measuring them. Mix up the colors and you are ready to go.
This ring was created for Karen Williams challenge. It became my first ring I ever beaded.
First I connected the two large purple “orphan” beads. Orphan beads dwell in my stash and get treated fairly. I keep them for different purposes: they inspire, they stir up my plans and then they suddenly fit into a project. It’s fun to collect them. Freeform peyote project is a perfect excuse to pull orphan beads out.
The next step was to create a bridge, and in the case of a ring, the most important bridge is the base of a ring that wraps the finger.
Even though it is my first ring experiment ever, I decided to complicate the design at least a little bit and add some elements I’ve noticed in fine jewelry design. The focal point of the ring has rather elongated shape. To balance it I created a couple of curves resembling butterfly wings on each side of the ring.
When almost the whole structure was beaded, I added a freshwater pearl to the focal point. Firstly, it was needed to balance the design. Secondly, it is my habit to stick at least one pearl in each of my designs. Some people call it a signature style. I just call it a love for pearls!
The most exciting discovery I made creating this ring is about its stereo-metrical composition. When I started photographing the completed project, I realized, I can’t grasp the composition of the ring in one shot. Each side of the ring is so closely connected to the other, that it is impossible to divide them. The composition just flows! Presenting each side separately is quite challenging in this case.
The ring is very easy to slip on and off. I am glad it is comfortable to wear, too! This means I will be showing it off here and there. Also, I am already planning to make another ring with a larger pearl.
If you are interested to try this technique, you may feel more comfortable starting with Karen WIlliams inspiring book:
Explorations in Freeform Peyote Beading: Designing Original Art Jewelry and Beyond
Of course, the basic knowledge of peyote stitch is required. It is covered in this book as well as in many tutorials online. Don’t hesitate to start!
I started experimenting with beaded jewelry without even knowing the stitches’ names. It was more important for me to get a feeling of woven structures, and that feeling come with practice.
Happy beading!
This is a great looking ring! The addition of the pearl is such a lovely touch — I would never have believed this was your first beadwoven ring. You’ll have a great story to share whenever you wear it!
Thank you, Bobbie! I’ve been thinking to make a ring for quite awhile. Karen Williams call for freeform rings activated my imagination! I will wear this ring with pleasure! Every handmade item has a story! I will be happy to share mine 🙂
I definitely understand the difficulty of photographing as well, Svetlana! 🙂 Congratulations on your beautiful ring, it is really lovely!
Thank you very much, Lori!
Beautiful Ring Svetlana! Your color palette is lovely. The two purple ‘orphan’ beads and your pearl really finish things off.
Congrats on your first beaded ring! I know exactly what you mean regarding the difficulty taking pictures. You’d think photographing a ring would be easy; but I find they can be quite tricky for just the reasons you described.
Thanks for participating in my challenge!
Thank you very much, Karen, for kind words and for the opportunity to participate! I always welcome a good challenge! Your book continues to inspire my freeform beadwork and I am looking forward to create more using this technique!