This micro macrame mixed media necklace was really a blast to design. The idea for this creation was sparked by Heather Powers and her Inspired by Nature Jewelry Challenge. Read more about that here. First, let me say this project was an all around challenge because after being a desert dweller all these years, I couldn’t even recall what a willow looked like. We have desert willow trees out here, but can’t say I’ve run into too many pussy willows wandering the desert floor. Next, I braved the elements, wind, heat, dust and wandered around the cactus nursery looking high and low for any twigs slightly resembling a willow branch. Need say, the pickings were pretty darn slim. I did finally locate a suitable specimen and then needed to paint it due to the fact that our wood here is pretty bleached out and dry looking. What fun, got a chance to use my paints. Then decided to troll through old (and I mean old) bead stash. I can’t believe I ended up using beads that I had previously written off as “junker” beads. Proceeded to fish around my lampwork beads “seconds” box and spotted a few that now became prime material. Even my sweet honey had a hand in this design. God bless him and his yard sale finds. He’s always on the lookout for costume jewelry and does quite well bringing home items for my jewelry cannibalization. When all was said and done, I had the opportunity to utilize my wire wrapping, lampwork, macrame, sewing and painting skills. Like a three ring circus, something for everyone with this design. I’m so inspired, I may just make a desert willow version too. Thank you Heather!