Gallery 4 Miscellaneous Techniques, Beaded by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough, Designed by Melanie Potter for her Swag Collar workshop
When I went to Bead Expo this year, I was bearing in mind that my friend Monica is organizing the Victorian Ball for the historical society this year and would need something glitzy to wear. I was delighted when Melanie Potter's Swag Collar class was added at the last minute and I was able to get in. I ended up buying several kits at her booth. Melanie and Carol Wilcox Wells work together as the School of Beadwork and design and sell beautiful kits as well as do workshops based on them. Melanie's directions are wonderful and she was a terrific teacher. I knew the colors in the kit I chose probably wouldn't work with the dress Monica would select (though I didn't know anything about her choice in costume then except it might have blue). I chose the Montana Blue Swarovski based kit for mine, but when I got it home, instead of finishing the sample I made for class, I called Monica, who brought over her fabric, and matched new colors to go with the fabric and the stones from my kit. I also added three Swarovski bicones in the middle loop on the sides, and two jet bicones and a pale blue drop crustal to the five center swags for extra bling. I hope Melanie won't mind me showing that kits and workshops can be altered to suit your own needs and color sense, while staying true to the designer's vision.
Necklace designed by Melanie Potter, interpreted by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough
All other images and patterns © copyright 2004 Elizabeth Ann Scarborough. All rights reserved.