A
few days back I bought assorted glass pebbles in order to make Jane McLellan’s Elana. Didn’t get to it (yet) but I had an idea when I made my charmed cross pendant. It has a large open space in center – ideal for an ice drop makeover!
Finally
got around to experimenting with it this morning.
Ice Drop
Enchained
(a
prototype experiment)
My
idea was to have long picots all along the chain in front, then link to these
picots when tatting the chain at the back. Well, it didn’t quite materialize
due to my laziness – didn’t want to leave the warm winter sun to get a picot
gauge ;-P
The
picots turned out to be too short.
This is the price I paid for being lazy and
not leaving the warm winter sun to get a picot gauge!
But
I improvised….by using a lock join with shuttle 2 (also called a ball
thread join) leaving enough space to create a mock picot when encasing. Just
like we do in Inverted Tatting.
I
must say I’m not unhappy with the textured edge this creates.
This
is worked in Anchor size 40 and is easily adaptable to any shape and size gem.
But
all is not well.
- The stitchcount
needs tweaking. I had to substitute the original gem.
- Worked in one
pass, but I let the chains make a single point at the tips instead of
having an all-round encasement/pocket.
- The picots need to
be longer still.
- I ended up keeping
the medallion at the back and working the other chain from front. Not that
this should be a problem.
The fact remains that it Can be done ! A gem caged between chains within picots ! Even normal picots
with regular picot joins. Some dexterity is required to hold the piece when
joining, though. I held it sideways, ie., the side faced me, thus making it
easy to pull loop through picot and make joins.
I
had more ideas for this –
Tat
the clovers on both sides – front and back – and join while tatting, inserting
a large bead/gem within the space. This would create a nice pendant when chains
were inserted at both ends later. For some other day….
Another
idea based off Diane’s recent ice drop – tat a twin split ring braid, folding
it along the middle to encapsulate the gem. Then add any more rounds as
desired.
Also
for another day. I do have nice glass pebbles now :-D
happy
tatting !!!
Related
Posts
Interesting experiment! Will the gem stay in place when it’s vertical? Jane Eborall has instructions for encapsulating using split rings.
ReplyDeleteAh, we follow the masters, Jane :-) Will check out Jane's instructions.
DeleteYes, the gem will stay vertical if encapsulated properly. My caged edge is a bit narrow and the tips taper down. Otherwise it holds its shape well, with these numerous picots. A thought just struck me - perhaps the lock join adds even more stability than regular picots?
I think it looks fabulous!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI believe I tried that, but could not get it to work for me. ;)
And I like the textured sides, it's something a little different. :)
Sue, it'll take a few trials to make the working comfortable and precise. But worth the different look. With all my misgivings and untatting, I could finish it in one morning in 1st attempt.
DeleteThe ice drop looks very interesting! It really looks like the gem is surrounded by a metallic chain, is that where the name came from? The chains connected by picots remind me a bit of tatting around Christmas baubles.
ReplyDeleteLavi, since the gem is encased within chains, I used the term ;-D
DeleteBut I agree that this would look great with metallic thread! Perhaps Marie (West Pines) has already done it in her tatsmithing?
I love following along with your experiments. I think this is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteLinda R
Thanks, Linda :-) Hope you give a try some time
DeleteWow i love the oval shape and this makes a classic look I could see this with jewelry very pretty and creative work🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
ReplyDeleteThanks Carollyn :-) Next stop - jewellery :-)))
Deletebeautifully and very cleverly :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting technique and beautiful pendant!
ReplyDeleteNice n unique way to tat around a gem!! A Must try.
ReplyDeleteDziękuję ci Renata,
ReplyDeletegrazie Nin, &
shukriya Usha :-)
Love, love, love it!
ReplyDeleteInteresting Technique, A different way to doing an ice drop
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much Maria & Margaret :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the oval shape! Will this be the focal piece on a necklace or a bracelet? I have yet to experiment with ovals. I'm thinking I really need to get Carolyn Craig's book so that I can learn some more!
ReplyDeleteNow bracelet is a fine idea, Diane !! Thanks :-)
DeleteIt was kind of freeform tatting to imitate the shape of the gem.
Very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGrazie, Daniela :-)
DeleteNice experiment. I'm waiting for next. I still thinking about method around gem or stones with lace. So we will try. Nice work, thanks :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Justyna :-) I now have an idea of how I need to improve this. If you choose this as a topic, then I will definitely have to make it again :-D
DeleteHermoso!!!!!
ReplyDeletegracias, Eugenia :-)
Delete