November program: Netted Cabochon Bezel

Wednesday, November 18, 2009; 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Linekona Art Center

This project is one of several ways to make a bezel for a cabochon; no glue is involved to mount it onto a backing, as the stone is tightly captured in a netted border of seed beads. Cabochon sizes are typically given in millimeters, with the length first for ovals, and diameter for rounds. The samples pictured are 18x13 mm, 30x22 mm, and 40x30 mm ovals, and 20 mm and 30 mm rounds, as well as a donut approximately 35 mm. These are all done with size 11 seed beads; later, try size 14/15 seed beads, especially for the smaller sizes.
Supplies:
- Cabochon, your choice of shape and size
- Size 11 seed beads in two colors to coordinate with the cabochon
- Two needles, size 12 if you can thread them with Fireline or size 10
- Scissors or cutter
- Hypo glue, Beading mat
- Fireline 6 lb,* either crystal or smoke, depending on your cabochon and seed bead colors
* Notes: You can also use Nymo D or C-Lon, but you will be pulling it tight. Also, needles don't fall off of Fireline like they do with thread, and you'll be handling both needles, front and back, at the end before bringing them together on the back for knotting and gluing.
Optional: Closed ring to incorporate for hanging (other beaded options will be discussed).