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Swirl beaded basket
Pretty thing, isn’t it? Last summer, when I took a class from Diane Fitzgerald, she gave us these instructions that are in the April/May Beadwork magazine. This is the piece that I made at that time; I knew they were going to be in Beadwork, so I waited to post this. The beads are Italian, and with a subtle dotted stripe of solid and transparent beads, in addition to the bright colors. The colors were inspired by a Marimekko chair. Top view:
I took the picture on a light table, with a tent, which is how the solid/clear is more easily visible.
The shape is firmed up with acrylic floor finish. I couldn’t find the recommended Pledge with Future, so this is another brand, made by a floor manufacturer. It’s really quite interesting — it is still flexible, but it definitely holds this shape (it didn’t before I dipped it). This is the first time I’ve stiffened up beadwork with anything other than lots of thread with beeswax. I’ll do it again!
6 responses to “Swirl beaded basket”
That is so cool! What size beads did you use?
Thanks, Helen! They are size 10, it’s about 4″ across.
It’s beautiful, Dulcey! I’ve never been brave enough to use floor polish, although so many folks swear by it.
Thank you, Cyndi! I had to – I hadn’t been brave enough before either. Try it sometime, on something disappointingly flexible…
That’s awesome! I just received my copy of the most recent issue of Beadwork where I saw Dianne’s beaded beads, but I would have never thought of turning them into a vessel. Spectacular work!
Thank you Cindy! The instructions Diane gave us were for the vessel. I think she had a modification for the bead. I like both!