I thought I would share the results of a 'play' I had with carnival blue 11s and metallic abalone cubes in the 3 bead spiral (russian variation as per Rubys Beadwork tutorials)

I just wanted to try out a short length to see if the colours worked well and whether there was anything I could use to make a necklace or bracelet. I got to about 2.5-3 inches and thought nice but not now (I have an amber/topaz necklace I want to do). I really like the idea of key tassels and all the kits I've seen are for images which didn't really appeal so I thought I'd have a go at doing one myself using the short tube of 3bead netting.

This is the result. The loop isn't entirely satisfactory but not really sure what would be better. the lampwork bead is one of Anna Richards I got in a mystery bag.

I think that's fabulous.

Celia

Thats amazine, never tried to use cubes in the spiral. OK, guess what I'll be having a play at tonight when the house is calm.

my gawd thats amazing, its really beautiful, it needs to be hung at eye level and stroked lovingly

I love it I'd be more than happy to jangle my key on it, it would make a nice bag charm too.

OOOO that is gorgeous - if you're looking for an alternative loop, I think I'd make a small but very strongly reinforced seed bead loop at the top of the spiral bit and hang the whole thing on a big metal ring, as large seed bead loops tend to work loose with a lot of wear and tear.
Or maybe there is a way of getting some beading cable up the middle to string a simple beaded loop at the top? (Or just make the whole thing with PowerPro thread and hope )
Great idea, anyway, look forward to seeing more of these and hope they do well for you!

Thanks gals! - sorry I didn't reply sooner - I'm poorly. A really awful cold/virus/man flu thing. So ill I haven't beaded for a whole day! I don't know if I'm going to do many of these but I suppose as I'll do trial sections. . . its a good excuse! I'd really like to do big whoppers that can be used as curtain tie backs. But I suspect it will require the sort of beads I don't normally use so probably not a 'goer'.

That is fab - I love the colours you've used. I think it may need a metal loop somewhere though if it's going to hang on a bag that gets frequent use.

Di

That is one of my favourite ways of using cubes. Looks lovely splayed out at the end.

Thanks Di and Amy I like making spirals a bit more mysterious by toning colours. At the moment the little sweetie is hanging near an old desk with a skeleton key attached.

Hi, have only just seen this - love it!!! Carmie

Thanks Carmie

This works so well. It's great.

I must have missed this the first time around. It's gorgeous Michele

That's fabulous, would make a great project too

Vimx