I created this cuff, based on floral patterns of the Arts & Crafts English master, William Morris about 8 years ago. It was one of the first cuffs I made, and while I love it, there are some technical issues that I learned to conquer through experience over these last 8 years. I kept this cuff for myself and wear it constantly. I love it. At my last show, in Kansas City, many people asked if I would re-create something like it for them and I left the show with two orders for the same piece. One was for a very tiny woman who wanted it narrower and without the border, but including the fringe. The other order was for a close replica of the original. This weekend I started to work on them, and while I was not looking forward to cloning the same piece, I still have been enjoying the process of making this cuff. As you can see, the process starts with a drawing directly on fabric which I have dyed so it will not show under the embroidery. Next I bead, very closely, many many seed beads, size 11 and 15 to “fill in” and create a rhythmic pattern. After this step, I bind and finish the edges, backing the cuff in Ultrasuede. Later, I will add ribbons of peyote borders, or fringe (or both),to complete the piece.
