This reversible bracelet is based on a piece from Diane Fitzgerald’s
book, Zulu Inspired Beadwork. I did make a few design alterations, but that’s the freedom of beading! I used only one clasp instead of two and omitted the picot edges of the original design.
The three rib rows are size 6 seed beads and the two woven connecting rows are size 11 seed beads, black on one side and white on the other. It gives me two looks in one bracelet. The toggle is a peyote stitched tube of size 6s with size 11 embellishments.
I find the traditional Zulu beading stitches to be labour intensive, but meditative. Once you understand the stitch pattern, it is easy to get lost in the repetitive motions of the beading. I was able to complete this one in just four days. I can see it becoming one of my favorites!
May 23, 2009
Royal Ras Zulu Double Weave
July 20, 2008
African Square Netting Stitch
This African square netting stitch bracelet has been finished for several weeks, but I just never got around to posting a picture of it before now. I wasn’t satisfied with how the photos looked. I tried several fabrics as background, but it seemed they were more of a distraction than an enhancement to the photo.
The design is from the book Zulu Inspired Beadwork by Diane Fitzgerald. The project in her book was a “Relaxation Mantle”, but I added two beaded beads and loops as a clasp. The beads are opaque black and matte white seed beads.
Here's a shot of the beaded bead toggles on mudcloth.
May 24, 2008
My Three New Beading Books
Because there are no local bead stores where I live, my bead shopping is restricted to the once or twice a year that I go up to the states. My recent trip didn't yield much in the way of new beads or findings, but I did get three books that I have wanted for some time now. I trust that Jah will provide the beads, if it is His will that I continue to bead.
Carol Wilcox Wells' second book, The Art and Elegance of Beadweaving, from Lark Books, has been on my wish list since it first came out. I have enjoyed her first book, Creative Beadweaving, since 1994. It was my best source for beading lessons, since I couldn't stretch the budget far enough to include the cost of private lessons. Thank you, Jah, for giving me a teachable brain!
Diane Fitzgerald's book, Zulu Inspired Beadwork, from Interweave Press, shows the traditional Zulu beadworks that inspire her modern translations. She has traveled to Africa to study both Zulu and Xhosa beading techniques. I have already learned the Zulu Flowerette stitch and will probably try the Switch-Back pattern next.
Valerie Hector's book, The Art of Beadwork, from Watson-Guptill Publications, keeps me enthralled for hours at a time. The tag line, Historic Inspiration, Contemporary Design, says it better than I can.
No matter how much time I spend on the computer or with my beadwork, I always love to pick up a good book. Especially ones as well written and illustrated as these three.
February 18, 2008
Fiesta Zulu Square Tube
I have struggled with the Zulu square tube stitch.
Not with the learning curve, because Nancy Zellers’ instructions and diagrams in the February 2007 issue of Bead and Button magazine were easy to read and follow. Thanks, Nancy, for sharing! The inadequacy is mine entirely.
My struggle with the Zulu square tube was that I just could not get a “riddim” (rhythm) going. With peyote, N’debele, or brick stitch I can just bead and flow and bead and chant and bead and pray and bead and chill and bead and lyme and bead and iditate and bead and bead and it just feels so good in my hands, in my head and in my heart.
Not so with the Zulu square tube. It is just like the struggle I have with the RAW (right angle weave) stitch. I have learned the TECHNIQUES of both stitches, but neither of those stitches gives me the soul balm I feel when I bead peyote, N’debele or brick.
Even though I really like the end results of my efforts with the RAW and Zulu square tube techniques, when my soul needs comfort I will probably continue to turn to my tried and true favorites.
For those of my readers who are also beaders, what beading stitch gives your soul the greatest comfort?
January 20, 2008
Zulu Flowerette Chain Bracelet
I enjoyed learning this stitch, the Zulu Flowerette Chain.
My subscription to Beading Daily allows me to download PDF tutorials from their free project library.
A recent project was an exerpt from Diane Fitzgerald's book Zulu Inspired Beadwork from Interweave Press. Some of her other incredible books include "Beading With Brick Stitch", "Netted Beadwork" and "The Beaded Garden".
Instead of the button closure shown in the instructions, I peyote stitched a toggle clasp. This is a labour-intensive stitch, but well worth the effort.
The next stitch I am going to learn is the Zulu Square Tube, which incorporates both N'debele and African Helix stitches to form a squared tube.
October 20, 2007
He Now Sings With The Ancients
The world's choir lost a powerful voice with the death of a reggae icon, Lucky Dube, in South Africa on Thursday. He was shot during a carjacking in Johannesburg, South Africa. His death leaves seven children, Bongi, Nonkululeko, Thokozani, Laura, Siyanda, Philani and three-month old Melokuhle fatherless and a world of devoted fans devastated.
If you aren't familiar with his music, a good place to start is with Rastas Never Die and Think About the Children. Over a 25 year career, he has many more albums to his credit.
Zulu Farewell - NIHAMBE KAHLE, Lucky.
English translation - GO WELL, Lucky.
Patois translation - WALK GOOD, Lucky.
No matter how you bid him farewell, please say a prayer for his widow, Zanele, and for his children.
Lift your voice, Lucky, and continue to spread your message of truth and love as you now sing with The Ancients. Walk good, Lucky, and may only good duppy falla backa yu!
