N226: winter's court necklace:   $275

This 20 inch beadwoven necklace, sparkling with swarovski crystals, is my entry for the Dec EBW challenge: "Snow Queen."

Wanting to challenge myself after spending a weekend retreat with 30+ other beaders, I sat down with beads of colors that spoke to me of the Snow Queen -- pearlized iridescent white, and lightest powder blue - and then strove to see how many different stitches I could use in a single piece without losing the flow of the piece. I ended up using 4 - tubular netting, tubular peyote, tubular herringbone, and russian spiral.

One of the stitches that I decided to incorporate works best with swarovski crystals (russian spiral), so I pulled out my stash and sought out colors that also called out of the glistening snow and sparkling shadow.

As I neared what felt like the center focal point, I was inpsired to add a focal bead; so once again I was pulling out my stash, this time of focal beads and cabachons, to find one that felt like it fit. Lo and behold, I found that I had purchased one Blue Lace Agate - the very colors of which are the foundation of this necklace -- pearl white and pale blue. I captured it in a net of seed beads, and fringed it with crystals. and then on up the far side of the necklace toward completion.

The ends are finished off with sterling silver cones, beads and S-clasp

To see all the entries in the Etsy Beadweaver's challenge, search for the EBWC tag. Vote for your favorite, Dec 9-15, on our blog: etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com