Tikka Masala - Latest Project

In an earlier post I told you about being invited to design some jewelry using the new line of clasps - "Elegant Elements" - from The Beadsmith. The first clasp was used to make a cuff bracelet called "Brocade". Read more about my "Be Elegant" adventure here.

The second piece - using "Elegant Elements" clasp #CLSP58GP - is now finished! It took me a bit but I really like the final result called "Tikka Masala". My husband and I have a circle of friends that meet for dinner once a week at our favorite (and the only one in Dubuque) Indian Restaurant - Hot & Spicy - and my favorite dish is the Paneer Tikka Masala. My husband thought the cuff looked "Indian" and the red/orange color palette reminded both of us of that tasty curry.

So... here is "Tikka Masala"!

I started in the usual way, by gathering bits and pieces together...

As expected, I don't use all of the components that get pulled but the items keep me focused on the color combo and overall look I want.

I finished the peyote bezels for the cabs...

...and was stuck!

It wasn't until I remembered some UFOs (Un-Finished Objects) in my studio that things seemed to click. When I first started working with fiber and fabric, I made this "Harvest Cuff"...
Hoping to make more, I prepared several background pieces but never used them...

These were exactly what I needed! I dug one out that I liked and made a cuff that ended up being a perfect fusion of fiber and beadwork! It was definitely a learning experience and the outcome was so nice that I think I will try to make more pieces that truly incorporate but fiber and beads.

Here are some shots of "Tikka Masala" - I hope you like them!