Midnight Leaves

This soutache statement necklace by Nancy Donaldson was commissioned to showcase our fabulous line of soutache cords.  The necklace was displayed in our “New Innovations” booth at the Craft and Hobby show earlier this month.

In our It’s Soutache manual written by Fernando DaSilva (released in the fall of 2014) Soutache was described “as one of those materials that defines not only a look but also a whole technique.  Recently, Soutache has become popular among many European designers excited by the endless possibilities this material provides to their creations.  The technique requires a lot of precision and a certain finesse to handle and stitch trims together.”  There are many applications for this fantastic trim and the main rule is that you must insert your needle in the centre of the soutache groove with every stitch.  That can be challenging and requires practice.

When we released our Soutache manual, Nancy was given an early copy along with some of our cords to experiment.   (she is a regular contributor of projects on this blog)  We assumed that she might make a few of the projects in the book.  We never imagined she would immerse herself into soutache, teaching herself new and unorthodox ways to use the cord.  Our Creative Director Fernando DaSilva recognized her talent immediately and met with her to select a color palette and theme for this necklace.

Many recognized soutache jewellers pre-plan their designs with mathematical precision.  Nancy is much more free with her designs.   She creates individual pieces that are collaged together.  She does not glue her sections into one single backing pad.

Her piece is also unique because some sections are left open.  The sections that are padded showcase our fish leather in a way that sets Nancy apart from other soutache designers.  Our fabulous tilapia leather created the perfect texture when paired with soutache trims and beads.   Her finished necklace is not stiff.  It conforms to curves on the body beautifully.  She also created matching cuffs that sit perfectly on a wrist.

The cabochons used by her in this necklace are “JB Vintage Atelier.”  Selected by Fernando just for this design they are incorporated in a way that is fresh and appealing.  We are proud to showcase this new soutache designer’s masterpiece.

What Nancy Used To Create Her Necklace

  

Dazzle-it Soutache Cords

75000900-11   Wine Soutache Cord

75000900-46  Acai Soutache Cord

75000900-45   Alloy Soutache Cord

Fish Leather

751-35101-02  Light Grey Suede Fish Leather

751-35101-03   Plum Suede Fish Leather

751-35101-01   Black Suede Fish Leather

Pearls

27758101096 313  Swarovski 6mm Lavender Pearl

27758101245 001  Swarovski 12mm Light Grey Pearl

27758101160 328  Swarovski 8mm Blackberry Pearl

Beads

45s 1960206004700 Preciosa Siam 6mm

45s 1960204004700 Preciosa Siam 4mm

27004139 Czech Fire Polished Garnet 6mm

27004137 Czech Fire Polish Garnet 4mm

27290000-41 Ori Crystal Donut Amethyst 4x6mm

680-02069  Czech Square Metallic Mix 3.4mm

45s1960203003600 Preciosa Round Jet 3mm

45s1960204003307 Preciosa Round Jet 4mm

45s6930205003600 Preciosa Round Jet 5mm

JB Vintage Atelier

Black Cabochons

Chain

Czech Rhinestone Cup Chain