Description
Bead Cage Pendant
This project uses peyote stitch to create a beaded cage inside which you will string two 10mm round beads. It can be made in any colourway and creates a finished pendant that is about 2″ (5cm) long. The pattern gives detailed instructions and illustrations and is suitable for anyone who has a little experience of peyote stitch. The whole project can be completed in a few hours. I created this design to teach at a one hour taster class at the Big Bead Show in April 2014.
Techniques
The bead cage pendant is made using circular Peyote stitch with a particular increase pattern that allows you to create a triangular shape. It is one of the easiest shapes to create if you are thinking about getting into geometric beadwork.
I designed the pattern to help beginners get into this style of beading. You will find you are repeatedly making the same shape so you will get plenty of practise and really get to understand the technique. I also used different colouring to help show how the bead cage is assembled.
Traditionally geometric beadwork is made with very regular shaped cylinder beads (often Delicas). But in this case I was working with some beads donated by a sponsor. I wanted to demonstrate that it is still possible to create geometric shapes with ordinary seed beads. You will find that the Japanese brands, especially Toho and Miyuki, are the most regular in shape. However, they are a little less expensive than Delicas. So they can be a good option if you are starting out and feel unsure about investing a lot of money.
The bead cage pendant houses two round beads. You will need to keep to the 10mm size, but you can choose any round bead, from pearls to wooden beads to glass. Just make sure you pick a style and colour that will really stand out in its bead cage. This is a pattern that is sure to get a lot of admiring comments when you wear the jewellery, but it’s also fairly quick and easy to make.
