The two fobs on the left can be used for any tool, and are also long enough to serve as bracelets on their own. (I actually wear them that way fairly often.) They would clasp to the tool on one end, and be strung onto the chatelaine ring at the other. The three at right are clasped to a single yoke. Two are Loran needle threaders in the two popular sizes -- I cut a two ended threader in half and trimmed each end with scissors until it would fit into the end of the silver bead, then anchored it with a little Sculpey and baked it for a very few minutes in a toaster oven. After that, I devised a way to anchor the end of a length of beading wire into the other end of the bead (using two crimp beads, strung so they could be pushed into the large bead one at a time, but when pulled, would form a V and both try to come out at once, thus they would not fit).
The larger one (middle) is strung so that when it is not attached to the yoke, the clasp hangs down inconspicuously, and the red coral leaf forms the end of the fob. The third (far right) is a Butler brush anchored inside with two crimp beads (couldn't use Sculpey because the brush would have melted in the oven).
The large beads are Thai silver, which is not too shiny and has a soft, warm feel in the fingers. They are also hollow and rounded, which makes them easy to grip and to use repeatedly without strain.
If you decide to make fobs for your tools, always start with tools that work well and are comfortable to use, then be sure the fob will not get in your way or press uncomfortably into your fingers or hand. Remember you will be *using* these, not just looking at them!
I intend to set the latch hook into a long, smooth bead, maybe a glass one, and get rid of the plastic handle. Failing that, the handle and clear cover (not shown) might be covered with polymer clay. The silver rose is destined to be the top of the chatelaine, to which a large ring will be attached -- all the tools will hang from this ring.
The fishing reel style measuring tape came from Restoration Hardware, and I picked it up because that was the kind of tape used in the past, before there were automatically retractable ones. The metal tabs at the sides allow it to sit upright and stable on a flat surface, and there is a hole in the tab opposite the pull, to which a fob can be attached. The end of the tape is plastic, but I'll replace that with something more attractive, and will also cover the round, flat sides so the tool looks less like fishing tackle and more like something a refined needleworker would have hanging from her waist.
These tools will complement others you have bought that need no embellishment, like pewter needlecases and pincushions, for example, of which some truly beautiful specimens can be had -- and *used*! In this way, an embroiderer can amass a gorgeous collection that would be the envy of any lady of past times.
To make such a piece, dump all the beads you think will go together onto a mat, then begin stringing them randomly. Make several strands of the same length, taking care that large beads (one or two per strand) end up fairly evenly spaced when all the strands are held up together. These were attached to a set of multi-strand connectors which come with short lengths of chain and a hook or clasp.
Another way to finish the item would be to pull the strands into a cone on each side, then use a short length of chain or a single strand of beads at each end, and connect them with a hook, toggle, or clasp.
For a rope-like look, you can twist the necklace (or bracelet if that is what you have made) before fastening it closed. Keep in mind that twisting it will make it shorter, so plan for that when figuring your finished length. A variation in style can be had by graduating the lengths of the strands by about an inch or just less, and not twisting them, but using multi-strand connectors and placing the longest strand on the bottom and the shortest on top.
Either way, if you use many different colors, you will find the piece will coordinate with a surprising portion of your wardrobe. This one is in earth tones, and goes with any earth-toned outfit, which means it will be great with almost everything my Mom wears! You could also use a range of a single color, or black and white, or a single color and black or white.
If the person who will be wearing the necklace has short hair, make sure the connectors and fastener are particularly attractive, as they will not be hidden under the hair. The connectors I bought came with a plain, flimsy hook, so I replaced it with a prettier one.
I am in the process of planning a simple stitch sampler, then will practice some animals, flowers, and insects as small box covers before moving on to my stumpwork chest. The latter has already been constructed of wood by my very handy father (Thanks Dad!) and will be used for my tools and materials. Now all I have to do is cover it! I will post my projects here as they come together.
Feedback of any kind is welcome - please email me at info@stonepylon.com!