Starting as underwater volcanoes which then surfaced over thousands and thousands of years, Costa Rica has evolved into one of the largest, lush ecosystems in the world. Imagine yourself rappelling down a waterfall, relaxing in hot springs, hiking along the rolling fog of the cloud forest or exploring the pink sandy beaches of the Guanacaste coastline. Theses adventures paired with rich tropical flora and fauna and soft sunsets over crystal blue water were the incredible inspiration for these pieces – and our version of paradise.
Our design inspiration includes Rose Peach, Light Turquoise and Peridot color Swarovski Crystals weaved with WildFire Thread to create a tropical feel fashion accessory.
Swarovski® Pearls 2mm rose peach
Swarovski 5000 4mm round peridot
Swarovski 5328 3mm bicone crystal AB
Swarovski 4127 30X 22mm Faceted Oval Fancy Stone light turquoise
Swarovski Button 1811 light turquoise
Jesse James Beads TOHO Seed Beads Size 11 - Forest Floor Bead Mix
Size 15 Miyuki Seed Beads - #4233 and Size 15 Toho Seed Beads in colorlined aqua
Delica Beads
Wildfire, .006 in (.15 mm), Green, 20 yd (18 m)
Scissors
Make the bezel:
Step 1
On a 5" length of Wildfire, string 44 Size 11 seed beads. Tie into a circle leaving a 4" tail.
Step 2
Add 3 beads, and pass around and through the bead that your thread is coming out of. String through 4 more beads.
Add 3 beads, and pass around and through the bead that your thread is coming out of. String through 4 more beads.
Add 3 beads, and pass around and through the bead that your thread is coming out of. String through 7 more beads.
Add 3 beads, and pass around and through the bead that your thread is coming out of. String through 7 more beads.
Add 3 beads, and pass around and through the bead that your thread is coming out of. String through 4 more beads.
Add 3 beads, and pass around and through the bead that your thread is coming out of. String through 4 more beads.
Add 3 beads, and pass around and through the bead that your thread is coming out of. String through 7 more beads.
Add 3 beads and pass around and through the bead that your thread is coming out of. That will become the top of the bezel. Follow the circle back around so your needle is coming out of the top bead in the three bead unit.
Step 3
Add 3 size 15 seed beads, 1 4mm crystal and 3 size 15 seed beads. Pass around and through the size 11 seed bead your thread is coming out of. Follow the thread path around until your needle is coming out of the top size 11 seed bead in the next unit. Repeat on the top bead of each unit. When you come to the last unit, follow the thread path around so your needle is coming out of the 4mm crystal.
Step 4
*The bead order for this step is different from the Facebook Live Video, but the technique is the same*
Pick up one size 15 seed bead, one 4mm round, and one size 15 seed bead. Thread through the next 4mm crystal.
Pick up one size 15 seed bead, one 4mm round, and one size 15 seed bead. Thread through the next 4mm crystal.
Pick up one size 15 seed bead, one 3mm bicone, one size 15 seed bead and thread through the next 4mm crystal.
Pick up one size 15 seed bead, one 4mm crystal, one size seed bead and thread through the next 4mm crystal.
Continue around the circle adding a size 15 - 4mm round - size 15 in the larger spaces, and a size 15 - 3mm bicone - size 15 in the smaller spaces.
Fit the Swarovski stone in the middle so that the smaller spaces are on the top and bottom, and sew through the entire circle around to tighten. Weave your thread to the back of your piece, tie an overhand knot to cinch everything together snugly and securely. Weave back around to exit the size 11 seed bead at the very top of the crystal stone.
Step 5
Thread 5x 2mm pearls, and weave around and back through the size 11 seed bead to form a loop. Follow the thread path around to the front, through the middle 4mm crystal at the top of the crystal stone. Thread on 5x 2mm pearls, and pass around and through the 4mm crystal to form another loop. Sew through several seed beads and tie a knot to secure.
Step 6 - create the bail
On a 3ft length of WildFire, thread 4 delica beads. Pass through all of the beads again to form a circle. Pass back through the first bead to make everything nice and snug. Leave about a 6 inch tail to use to attach the bail to the pendant. Row 2 - Add 2 delica beads in between each of the delicas and step up at the end of the row. Row 3 - add 2 delicas and thread down through the next delica to form the herringbone, pick up 1 size 11 seed bead and pass through the next delica to form the peyote. Repeat 3 times and step up. Row 4 - Add 2 delicas and thread down through the next delica, add 1 size 11 seed bead, and thread through the next size 11 seed bead, add 1 size 11 seed bead and thread up through the next delica. Continue alternating 2 delica beads on the herringbone sides and one seed bead between each of the seed beads on the peyote stitch side for two more rows. Don't forget to step up at the end of each row. On your last row, thread 1 size 15 seed bead in between the delicas in the corners (don't add a 15 in the delicas on the bottom) and each size 11 seed bead all the way around. Weave back through so your thread is coming out of one of the bottom delicas.
Step 7 - attach the bail to the pendant
Use the thread ends to attach the bottom two delicas of the bail to the middle 2mm pearl of the back loop that you made in step 5. Weave around so your thread is coming out of the middle 2mm pearl in the front loop that you made in step 5. Weave up and around to attach the other bottom two delicas of the bail to the pendant. Reinforce your thread path and tie a few knots. Use the WildFire Cord Cutter to trim and seal the ends.
Step 8 - make the necklace
String up 16 inches of 2mm rose peach pearls using a needle and WildFire. Tie a button on one end, and create a loop on the other with size 11 seed beads. Use the WildFire Cord Cutter to trim and seal the ends.
Phew! That was an intense project. It took a bit of fiddling and figuring, but I'm so happy with how it turned out. I'm honored and humbled to be a part of the Swarovski Crystals Around the World project and can't wait for the next one.
Do you use seed beads and crystals to bezel stones? Post your work in the Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group. Don't forget to follow @beadalon, @artisticwirebrand and @meredithjoydesigns on Instagram.
Until next time, happy beading!
Meredith
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