This is a project I started before Lori Anderson announced this blog hop. I love Gaea beads and when I saw her "Fearless Heart" bead sets I immediately wanted to make something for my Cowgirl Sisters - Ellen, Billie and Patti. To reflect our shared passion for horses, Gaea made a a custom horse hoof print bead.
What these three amazing women have in common is incredible heart and courage. They keep finding a way forward when it would be easier to just give in or give up, or to become bitter and hard. And they don't think they are any thing special. Well to me they are incredible, and I wanted to make sure they know it.
Braiding - rawhide, leather, horsehair is a traditional method for making all kinds of tack, so I wanted to hand made braids to be the basis for the necklaces. I went thru some trial and error figuring out how to combine kumi braided cord with the beads. I settled on making two cords for each necklace. The first cord, used to string the beads, is made of 8 strands of pearl cotton. The second cord is 12 strands, it is tied in larks head knots in between the beads. (Note to self: never, ever attempt this again! It takes a ridiculous amount of cord to tie all those knots and when you are braiding it out of pearl cotton .....)
So here are the finished necklaces.
To check out the other participants please go to Lori's most excellent blog for links:
Memories and Thanks Blog Hop
Beautiful job Kathleen! I love the horse connection.
ReplyDeleteLovely work - I love the "fearless" pendants!
ReplyDeleteLove how these came out. Keep going with that fiber.
ReplyDeleteSuch amazing necklaces...love the "fearless" on the hearts!
ReplyDeleteYou design is very appropriate. The fearless hearts are genius. Thanx for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteYour braiding is amazing - love your necklaces and the hoof print bead!
ReplyDeleteThese look amazing...your friends are sure to love them. So different!!
ReplyDeleteWow! This was a labor of love, and I'm sure your friends are going to treasure them. Love the soft, earthy colors.
ReplyDeleteLove the combination of chains and the braiding. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteBee-you-tiful! Such a beautiful tribute to your three besties!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to your friends. Those necklaces are so gorgeous and fitting.
ReplyDeleteVerny charming necklaces - I'm sure your Cowgirl sisters will love them!
ReplyDeleteThese are awesome! You do great work! I think I'm a cow girl sister...no?..Oh, alright. The real cowgirl sisters...Ellen, Billie and Patti are sure to love these! Hope you are enjoying the hop
ReplyDeleteHugs
Terri
Your hard work and dedication paid off. Those necklaces are gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful set of necklaces! I love the way the fiber entwines them, like how you are connected together. Thanks for sharing your story and creation. Enjoy the day. Erin
ReplyDeleteNow those are really cute, love them.
ReplyDeleteLove your necklaces. They are so fun and original. I am sure your friends will love them too.
ReplyDeleteLove these! Your use of fiber is just perfect. Well done!
ReplyDeleteWow! I love your work !!
ReplyDeleteSo unique and beautiful.
Peace and Love.
Awesome pieces! You're so lucky to have "Cowgirl Sisters"!
ReplyDeletereally love the look and feel of these necklaces!
ReplyDeleteoh no, never say never! These have so much rich texture, I just love all the th work you did with those cords. Those are some sure lucky ladies!
ReplyDelete