Friday, September 12, 2014

"MANY HAPPY RETURNS" ~ LIMITED EDITION Bead Embroidery Swallow Necklaces...

They say a swallow always returns ~ to its home ~ to loved ones ~ to places familiar.
I returned to an artwork that I love, in the past few weeks - bead embroidery. Fashioned in the style of traditional swallow tattoos - a tattoo favorite of old-time sailors, symbolizing 5,000 nautical miles journeyed. A single swallow would oft times be tattooed at the beginning of a long sea voyage, and a second added upon a sailor's safe return home.
For me, it has been a return to the meditative handwork that I so adore. Each of these little swallows (2" X 2") is comprised of size 15 and Charlotte glass beads (these are one to two sizes smaller than regular seed beads - tiny beads for tiny birds), lovingly hand-stitched onto a stiff foundation, two beads at a time, over many, many evening hours.
The bead edging is applied one bead at a time, and similar to a blanket stitch.  Backed with vibrantly colored Ultrasuede (there is also a "stabilizer" between the finished bead work and Ultrasuede), and hung from a brass chain (necklace measures approx. 19", plus a 2" extender); each with a bit of "bling" - vintage rhinestone buttons, most often.
  
These four have winged their way to new homes, with a few more special orders in the works. The Etsy shop has been closed, for the time being.  HOWEVER, I am offering these, through the blog, as SPECIAL ORDER/LIMITED EDITION pieces.  No two will be exactly alike in color combinations (it's the way I've always worked, whether custom bags or jewelry).  $35.00 plus shipping ($32.00 each for orders of two or more), in your choice of main color. My email address is readily available on the sidebar of my blog, under the little envelope - drop me a line...let's talk!
My mom makes a return for some Vegas fun this week. May your week hold much of the same - may you soar high, sing sweetly, and always return to places familiar, beloved, and safe.  Many happy returns of the day!  XOXO

8 comments:

Quinn said...

They are fabulous, Tanya! Each one so colorfully unique, and lovely displayed together as a tiny gem-like flock - I don't know how a person could choose. You are an inspiration - your creations are always so meticulously made!

Mary Ann Potter said...

Oh, what exquisite work you do!!! I am very impressed!

Dorthe said...

Hi sweet,
your swallows are little art pieces, so beautifully embroidered, and so wonderful as a necklace charm, what a gorgeous work, Tanya, I know I just told you below, that you are a master, but YOU ARE !! I have to say it again,-lol. I`m still wearing the fabolous necklace also with a swallow, but in metal..I purchased from you, many years ago ,I totally still adore it.
Hugs and happy weekend dear friend.
Dorthe

Jackie said...

These are so amazing, I hope you get lots of orders, your jewelry will last a lifetime! So well made!
Beautiful work!

My Garden Diaries said...

These are gorgeous Tanya! I am literally without words at the present moment as these remind me of an Indian necklace my grandmother gave us...I wore it all the time! You have mad skills...gosh...just so very talented in so many areas! I feel honored to know you! Happy weekend to you sweet friend....Nicole xo

Sarah said...

Tanya, these are exceptional! So beautiful, you've really outdone yourself. They're just beautiful.

Createology said...

Very sweet Swallows you have lovingly stitched with tiny little beads. Your work is stunning. Creative Beaded Bliss Dear...

Tammy said...

These are soooooooooooooooooooo beautiful! If I didn't live so far away, I'd order one for sure. Blessings, Tammy