Leap day wishing for Peace

 

Peace symbol in wire wrapping + tatting

Wishing for peace everywhere to everyone. ☮ 

The wire frame before tatting is described on my previous post.

For the center tatting I used 2 multicolored threads plus a green thread, in the encapsulation technique (unflipped double stitches over a multiple thread core). I have a short video on that here, but for this project I kept the flowers small, only 1 "petal" each.

The tiny "flowers" are Josephine rings tatted using the same half stitch repeated, along with an occasional normal ring.

I used only 2 threads, normal tatting in green for the "vine" around the edge. 8 Victorian sets of 2/2 between each Josephine ring. I usually use about 9 half stitches for each ring. 

For the outside edge I generally used the modified soumak weave with 28 gauge wire, changing to simple coiling when the base wires overlapped. I arranged the tatted "vine" around the edge and caught it in the wire occasionally. Some 2mm beads were also included for added texture.

 

This was quite a challenging project for me! More difficult than the usual wire-wrapped + tatting pendants that I've made before, because of the smaller spaces to work the wire into and trying to keep the symbol clear enough to be recognizable. But, I'm happy to have one done that I can wear, and to get more ideas from!

Started an Autumn Pendant

 

From my stash of hand dyed thread, I chose warm autumn colors of red, gold, and shaded greens in a mix of 10 and 20 (but that dark red seems a bit finer, so I'm not sure). Having completed the tatting of josephine rings and encapsulated chains, I'm in the process of wire wrapping it onto the frame. 

I found a pretty orange topaz colored glass briolette focal bead purchased from BastetsBeads on Etsy, planning to suspend it in the center, although that depends on if there's still room for it when I get that far! I don't plan ahead much, I just trust the process. 

Josephine rings and barely started time vortex

 

Josephine ring in progress, made of the same repeated half stitch.

A series of Josephine rings.

From my own "Petal Portal" pattern.

The Petal Portal pattern uses several unusual tatting techniques. It's tricky, but I really enjoy seeing the results, especially with using a multicolored or variegated thread for the little Josephine ring "petals" that seem to spill out of the pendant. I'm currently in "blue and yellow" mood but there are endless color possibilities!

The earrings from the "Petal Portal" pattern add the Daisy Picot technique.

I have started another pair since I really like them!

This is as far as I've got with my version of a "Time Vortex Manipulator". ☺

I like how the tatting fits around the lightbulb and the 2 layers. There will need to be a 3rd layer, which will form the actual bracelet. I'm still thinking about the design possibilities for that. The dark tatting in the photo should be able to turn freely, not joined to either the top or bottom. So, one can pretend to change time either backward or forward by turning the middle motif. 

The lightbulb will be activated by completing the circuit (of special conductive thread which will be sewn through the lace) with a snap closure and battery. So you can pretend to jump instantly to another period in time. Of course, that's the plan! The "change time" notion is only make-believe, but the lighting up part is intended to be real!