Shiny Things by Orin Drake | Shiny Things Gallery | Dragons | Beaded
They're shiny 'cause they're beads!
Sanguine
Jan 21, 2012 12:49She is mine. I found these drop-dead gorgeous blood- cranberry- pomegranate-red beads... it just had to happen. Of course, because I created Sanguine for the express purpose of being my dragon bracelet, she gave me more trouble than any of the others. So much more. I cannot even describe, nor do I want to think about it... but it goes to show how worthwhile this project was. And boy did I learn new techniques quickly.
She is a bit... different than the others in several ways. I am not in the least bit complaining, mind you... it's just a reminder that my intent only means so much. Heh.
Levi
Jan 21, 2012 12:47It's a first attempt at a lot of things... but I think he's kind of a giant leap. I like him. A lot. A damn lot. It's obviously taking quite a bit of what I've learned up to this point and mixing it together to create happy shiny Levi. He is, in fact, a bracelet with the catch hidden a little bit better into the design. The hook isn't so much, but being beneath his jaw, I just plain didn't mind that part.
And for the name... Levi. Three different shades of blue, Levi... Levis... oh nevermind.
(Sold)
Alchemist's Pet
Jan 21, 2012 12:45It's not uncommon for the most powerful magicians to keep a jeweled snake as a familiar. It's a bit of a status symbol, admittedly--but alchemists are able to make use of the jewels, and certain magicians can keep spells within them. The result is a "living" familiar, something that moves and appears to have a bit of its own consciousness.
Of course, this is not a jeweled serpent but a jeweled dragon, of a different sort of connotation in magic... Whether the dragon created the alchemist or the alchemist created the dragon remains unclear. I suppose you can ask, if you'd really like to.
I love this necklace. I didn't when I was in the middle of making it. This is the culmination of possibly a little over two weeks of work. Many, many hours. Many, many beads, and lots of Swarovski crystals. Depending upon the lighting, you will be able to notice the subtle shift in color of the diamonds along her back. It's a lot more obvious in person, but trying to get bright light on these beads for photographing purposes? No. Just, no.
And just because, yes I view her as a she. ...She just feels like a she. Now I must rest my poor abused wrist. Ow. A worthy ow, but an ow.
(For Sale)
Rami
Jan 21, 2012 12:49He's a bit of an explorer at heart, really. Already ready to leap into new situations at a moment's notice--so you might need to watch this one. Deep rainbow/purple-centric metallic and lime green beads make up this little guy's coloring.
Note of alarming geekdom: while I was making this little critter, I had the sudden thought, "I hope no one immediately thinks of The Joker when they look at him. He's really more of a Green Goblin kind of guy. And I have to make sure not to name him Remy." Well... what can I say. I have weird thoughts when making things.
(Sold)
Sien and Selia
Jan 21, 2012 12:49I had not meant to make a pair of dragons. They insisted. This is the result of my wandering into a local bead store. I think I will be going back soon.
As for the critters themselves, they really can't be separated. Selia and Sien are quite very much in love and not in the least bit willing to do something silly like stay away from one another. While they'd normally be living in the forest and flashing those bright tails at unknowing passers-by to trick them into abandoning their food (they'd learned to work with tourists, you see), I'm sure they'd like to travel and see other places. Just... watch your food. Sandwiches, most of all.
(For Sale)
Kaiyou
Jan 21, 2012 12:47While the ocean in her home, the beach is her preferred hunting ground. Or... not so much "hunting ground" as "people-watching hangout", but you know. You do have to act tough when you're from the ocean. Not that she won't go nuts over saltwater taffy.
She's been over half finished for a while now, waiting to hear back from someone... but I couldn't wait any longer. She needed to be finished, so here she is. I kinda splurged on the beads for her tail a while ago, so I'm finally making use of them. And really... they're just gorgeous on her. She's really got a lovely sparkle.
(For Sale)
Tetse
Jan 21, 2012 12:50No one ever accused him of settling for a little flair. Nope, not an ounce of desire to remain hidden away. There is nothing but bright, vibrant flash and a sweet tooth that could not be described in human tongue. Though he is kind enough to ask if he might have some, first. And if you seem reluctant, only then will he mesmerize with that tail of his.
I definitely wanted something a bit different and dramatic. And I also wanted a tail that didn't look so organized and was more "free form" and "open". Well... I succeeded enough to be happy with him.
(For Sale)
murai
Jan 21, 2012 12:48Murai always finds himself attracted to lights. The glow of a full moon, a sky full of stars, the sight of a city in the distance. What really draws his attention are colorful, flashing lights used as winter holiday decorations; and, wouldn't you know it, he manages to blend into the decorations just fine.
I'd been wanting to make another jewel dragon like Tivona for a very long time. So I finally did it between commissions, and totally lost track of the days. I'm glad about that, though. I don't really want to know. The wings alone took... a really long time.
Murai represents both streamlining old techniques and trying new things, and I'm really quite happy with him. With a gentle touch, he is fully poseable, constructed in part with wire for that purpose.
(For Sale)
