Dissidia Charm Bracelet

And now that the gift has found its way to its owner, I can talk about the hell I went through to make this bracelet. *grin* Well, it was... a trial. A very, very big trial. I was juggling techniques, trying to figure out exactly how I wanted to do this and what I wanted to make it out of. I was actually disappointed at first, because a few things couldn't be exactly accurate due to what the clay kept doing/annoying me with, but now... yes, I've had time to step back and appreciate it. I want to make more, but the charms will have a slightly different style. This is definitely one of a kind.

And because I am me, and have to interpret everything, I rather liked the idea of the silver wire wrap around each crystal. It sort of represents Cosmos' energy and influence, the silver working its way through the chain and the eternal loop. ...Yeah, stop looking at me like that.

If you're not familiar, Dissidia is a "Final Fantasy fighter" that I keep meaning to take breaks from but keep picking back up for "just another couple of battles", so that should tell you something.

Dancing Chocobo Cuff Bracelet

I took way, way too long figuring out how many beads were used here. 1,802 delicas, 6 "materia beads", and 1 random lovely purple glass bead. Many a four-letter word was uttered after. Then I poured myself a drink. But look upon the dancing chocobo cuff bracelet and be happy, for they are dancing chocobos!

Yeah, this is completely insane. But it started out so innocently with just one FF4 chocobo sprite... which became two... then six. Then I can't really explain what happened. The chocobos made me, I swear it. ...Anyway. I really like how the dark purple background turned out, which is good--I wasn't so sure at first. And of course, well... chocobos. This actually successfully combined three requests in one: 1.) beaded chocobos, 2.) sized for a larger wrist, and 3.) a metal-free clasp. Well, I feel successful.

(Sold)

Zaida

Oh sure it may not look much like camouflage now, but when Zaida sneaks out after a rainstorm and everything is brilliant, vibrant green, she's barely noticeable. Winter is really "not her thing", but that's what the joy of hibernation is for. She prefers sweet tea with lemon and tea biscuits whenever possible, but fresh fruit is always welcome.

Made on commission as a birthday gift. Due to mail error and the fact that schedules just kept getting changed, she arrived at her destination very late indeed--but she arrived. She is currently being very well taken care of, and that is the truly important thing. Ironically enough, "zaida" means "fortunate one" in Arabic. I sure can pick 'em.

Trema

Not exactly one to pull back and hide in a crowd, Trema's intentions are generally centered around having fun. Life is but a dream, experience the joy, don't let the bastards grind you down, a little bit of color and shiny is all you need. And the occasional sweet treat.

Another something a little bit different. I guess you could call it "freestyle" but then I don't know what I don't do that couldn't be considered "freestyle", so anyway. ...His tail reminds me of the Hylian Shield.

(Sold)

Tetse

No 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)

Teine

Blue is excellent, of course. But a nice fiery red with orange, yellow and gold was quite needed. I tried a few slightly different techniques on Teine, and she turned out surprisingly well (just don't tell her I said that). Granted I'm not sure if I will re-use some of the techniques, but she's just as lovely, stable and flexible as the others. And so very, very bright.

I sort of accidentally made the catch look a little old and rusted, too. I was going to correct this... then I decided that I kinda liked it. Sorry guys, guess you're stuck with it.

(Sold)

Sien and Selia

I 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)

Sanguine

She 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.