The Buddha of Brass

Ok, I can't show the Nephrite Jade necklace because my friend Jen wasn't at dance class last night and I don't want to chance her seeing it on-line and ruining the surprise (it's not a total surprise, she knows she's getting something from me, she just doesn't know what!). However, I also made a necklace for my friend Meghan, and she was at class, so I can show and tell.

When I saw these brass Buddha pendants in Andrew Thornton's shop, I knew Meghan would love them. So when she signed up for the Pay it Forward "swap" on my Facebook page, I bought one and contemplated what to do with it. I eventually decided on an adjustable chain necklace, with a few added dangles. The beads actually came from a goodie bag from a different order I made from Andrew's shop! I thought they looked good with the brass. There's tiger's eye, carnelian (or possibly heated agate, or maybe one of each), a freshwater pearl, and some Czech glass. Plus little brass dangles that I got at Micheal's of all places.

My goal was to make something that would look good with either tribal belly dance costuming, or steampunk costuming, while still honoring the fact that Buddha is an important spiritual figure. I felt like dressing him up with gears and keys and such might be a little tacky. I'm pretty happy with the design and Meghan loves it, so I'd say it's a success!