This neckpiece was created for the Beadworx Jewellery Designer Challenge November/December 2011 - the theme being "Summer Romance".
I just love this collar. I estimate it took me 13-14 hours to stitch it, in total, and as I did, I created a little story in my head for it (which I often do with the larger pieces - the more time I spent with/on them, the more they create a personality all their own). I envisioned this piece as an heirloom, telling the story of how the couple met one summer and ignited a love that lasted a lifetime.
The pieces I used on this collar tell this story. Flowers from the gardens of their first meeting, an earring (the matching one long lost), a brooch he gave her for their first anniversary, hearts and keys, butterflies, dragonflies and ladybugs - fastened with a Czech glass button from a dress she wore on their first date, with hand-dyed silk rag-cut ribbon taken from her favourite dress (this can actually be used to lengthen the collar's length if required - it is only tied on for decoration).
All pieces are hand-stitched on - the only glue used is to adhere the entire finished piece to the Ultrasuede backing.
There are bountiful flowers (glass, Swarovski, lucite and fabric), Swarovski crystals and pearls and fabric flowers.
Focal handmade cabachon by Natalie Fletcher-Jones from Peruzi.
The focal heart/key proclaims "He who holds the key can unlock my heart".
ONE OF A KIND
Price includes shipping worldwide and beautiful giftbox
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