The Sacred Blue Lotus
Published On: 11-14-2011 08:44pm
Comments: 0 - Hits: 152
Category: Egypt
Symbols from every day life were important to Ancient Egyptian spirituality. The scarab rolling it’s little ball across the desert represented the sun trekking across the sky. The blue lotus, which sank beneath the water of the Nile each night and emerged with the rising sun, was the embodiment of rebirth. Because being reborn in the afterlife was the ultimate goal in this world, the lotus was a sacred symbol to the Ancient Egyptians.
The blue lotus is usually depicted with a side view, as in the hieroglyph seshen. I wanted to capture those pretty petals in beadwork, using one of my favorite techniques. With alternating turquoise and indigo beads, I added a semicircle of lotus petals to vintage Czech beads. The light blue petals are just a little smaller, helping to give the impression of the overlapping petals seen in Egyptian tableaus.
Strung on a simple beaded chain, the trio of lotus blossoms have such a pretty shape. The necklace is simple but not ordinary, and has just a light Egyptian vibe that could blend in with many styles. I liked this design so much, I wanted to try it again with a new twist.
This time, I made miniature broad collars in black and red, with soft ivory colored bugles. Each one has a garnet crystal in the base. The shape is also much like the ostrich feather fans that often surround images of Pharaohs.
I strung these fans with black seed beads, more vintage druks, and gorgeous red velvet crystals. I love the overall look, but the palette and shapes don’t look so much Egyptian as from the Far East. I’d like to try again with a more obvious Egyptian palette, perhaps with more turquoise and a bit of gold.
-Mortira
Copyright 2011 The Sage's Cupboard ---- Follow This Blog
Find me on: Facebook and Twitter
Like Handmade? Join ArtFire to get your own store and built-in blog!
The blue lotus is usually depicted with a side view, as in the hieroglyph seshen. I wanted to capture those pretty petals in beadwork, using one of my favorite techniques. With alternating turquoise and indigo beads, I added a semicircle of lotus petals to vintage Czech beads. The light blue petals are just a little smaller, helping to give the impression of the overlapping petals seen in Egyptian tableaus.
Strung on a simple beaded chain, the trio of lotus blossoms have such a pretty shape. The necklace is simple but not ordinary, and has just a light Egyptian vibe that could blend in with many styles. I liked this design so much, I wanted to try it again with a new twist.
This time, I made miniature broad collars in black and red, with soft ivory colored bugles. Each one has a garnet crystal in the base. The shape is also much like the ostrich feather fans that often surround images of Pharaohs.
I strung these fans with black seed beads, more vintage druks, and gorgeous red velvet crystals. I love the overall look, but the palette and shapes don’t look so much Egyptian as from the Far East. I’d like to try again with a more obvious Egyptian palette, perhaps with more turquoise and a bit of gold.
-Mortira
Copyright 2011 The Sage's Cupboard ---- Follow This Blog
Find me on: Facebook and Twitter
Like Handmade? Join ArtFire to get your own store and built-in blog!
