necklace - Monolith Obelisk Pendant

YOJ Monolith Obelisk Pendant Necklace

(CC0110) felted beads, beaded pendant, czech crystals

Fueled by a (YOJ - Year of Jewellery) theme challenge entitled "Monolith", held at Australia's Beading Forum .. I went in search of clarity and definitions and came across a (kind of) synonym: "obelisk". I like that word and that Fueled the creation of this piece of complex beaded obelisk I always wanted to try.

Worked in a complex weave, utilizing beads of various sizes in very specific positions and combining with my beloved handmade, wet felted focal oval bead ... I am delighted to present the simple but complex monolithic structure of this Obelisk Pendant.

Stung on complementary round leather and tan imitation suede, it is both a call to ancient rituals, simplistic structures, and complex workings: a true reflection of the richness and complexity of humans and their cultures. Materials used are documented in the photographs.

Construction Notes

Quite a complex weave and pattern. Must say it was not one that made my heart sing and settled comfortably onto my cockles. Requires quite comparative sizes and the top as well as the focal oval bead has to be chosen on trial and error. Hence part of the reason why the custom felted focal was so excellent to use. It has give and one create it on the go as required.

I was going to do one in Whites but as this weave did not "call" to me... it is most likely that this will be the one and only. Still I am glad it has "arrived" and I do love it's richness and its complex simplistic look.

According to the pattern, this is worked in sections and joined as the next section evolves. The bottom "tail" is stiffened with an internal tube to give it rigidity and strength. The "bail" as can be seen, is via a constructed hole in the middle.