Thursday 6 March 2014

Soutaching failure

Last month me and my wonderful mum went to our first class of the year at The Bead Shop Nottingham.  It was to learn how to do Soutache which uses a special cord to make jewellery.

My attempt was... interesting.  You might even say hideous.  



I used a selection of pearls and three colours of Soutache cord to make this monstrosity.  You know what though?  I'm not bothered that it's hideous, it was nice to learn how to do it and have a go.  Not everything has to be a work of art (not anything in my case!).



This is a picture of the back.  Not the nicest finish ever, which is why most Soutache jewellery is covered at the back with a layer of felt or Ultrasuede.



This is the cord we used.  As you can see it's quite flat and is braided so the channel in the middle is easy to stitch through.  I bought some as I do intend to do this again, but perhaps a less hideous design this time!

If you want to see some examples of nice Soutache, have a look at my Pinterest board


17 comments:

Ellie Foster said...

Dear Wendy
Learning a new skill invariably means there are some things that don't work as well as we hoped (case in point of my first attempt at polymer clay flowers!) Your first attempt isn't hideous, it's a starting point!
Best wishes
Ellie

Unknown said...

Not so bad for the first attempt with soutache braid. You just need to put ultrasuede or other fabrics to finish that project.

Kerryp77 said...

I actually really like it Wendy, and for a first attempt its very good. I think the colours work well and ad I like the shape too.

JoJo said...

That is NOT hideous! I love the way it came out!

Unknown said...

Hideous? I don't think so! I love the colours, and the shape actually has a flow and a modern beauty - just give it an avant-garde name and it will look entirely intentional! ;-) If this is just your first go, I can't wait to see what amazing jewellery you create after some practice! Chrissie x

Sandra :) said...

If it was supposed to look like an elephant or a Ferrari, then I suppose you could call it hideous. But to me it looks like a cute broach - I really don't see the hideosity of it? Just cover the back and stick a broach pin on it!

Anna said...

Je le trouve très joli...moderne, original, unique...
Bises
Anna

Lisa said...

I don't think it's ugly at all, I think it's actually really pretty. We are always our own worst critics, but try not to be too hard on yourself, new skills are fun and practice is good for everyone. :)

Createology said...

Soutache is never easy to work with as it frays and has a mind of its own. Your beaded brooch is quite attractive for your first attempt. Shush that inner critic and have bead on...

margaret said...

you are far too hard on yourself, when you have put the finishing touches to it it will be a good start to your Soutache, must own up to never having heard of the technique before.

liniecat said...

Yes must admit I like it too, as a broach it would work out fine! Such striking colours and texture.
Okay so your looking at a Picasso sp? painting........do you have an inexplicable urge to look on the back?
Me, no!
He may well have painted a huge willy on the back of his paintings but do we need to look to see whats there, as if it justifies the front in some way?
( Mind you I dont like his work at the best of times and lord knows how he'd represent a willy!!)
So why do we do it with textiley crafts, go looking on the back ?
lol
Thats a great start to a new skill : )

Anonymous said...

I like what you have made, well done for giving it a try!

pennydog said...

I've never heard of it before so I have no idea what makes your first attempt bad :)

Jo Ferguson said...

Hideous? Not even close. I really like it. I think you've been looking at it too closely and for far too long. I would suggest you tuck it away for a little while and when you come back to it, I'm sure you'll see it's beautiful and deserves to be finished.

Sheryl said...

I have never heard of this work Wendy but I don't think it ugly at all. The colours are pretty.

Carrie P. said...

very interesting. I always see such neat things on your blog that I have never heard of. thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I think it's really gorgeous! Lovely colours and shapes.