Barb Grainger's Long Magatama Bead Pinecone

Well, I just had to play some more with these Long Magatama beads! While I was experimenting with the Dragon Bangle instructions a few weeks ago (see previous posts) I thought to myself that these beads would make the most darling little pinecone. So I abandoned the bangle and decided to play around with it to see what I could come up with. It didn't take long before I had the most darling little pinecone in my hand. (I think someone on one of the beading forums thought the beads would work for a pinecone too, but I can't remember who it was.)

Even though I designed the pinecone right away, I've been waiting to 'debut' it until I could get the instructions written up, but I just couldn't wait any longer so I decided to go ahead and post this today. I'm working on the instructions and should have them done soon. I've decided to sell them through Cindy's Crafts http://www.beadlady.biz/  and donate a portion of the sales to her Beadaide charity. (Surprise Cindy!) 

I've been showing the pictures to Cindy off and on but she's been sworn to secrecy. BTW, she keeps a good secret. :) 

So, without further delay, here are my pinecones!

Here's another picture of them next to a quarter so you can get an idea of the size.

IMHO they are adorable. Can't you just imagine a bowl full of these little cuties on your table?  I'm also thinking they'd make a great focal bead for a lariat. They'd also look great in a mini Christmas wreath, or you could put three of them together with a few sprigs of branched fringe for a cute little Christmas pin.

I made the light colored one first, but later decided that I wanted the pinecone just a tad shorter so I made the blue and black ones. I've since made a few more to go along with them.

Working with these Long Magatama beads is challenging at first, but once you learn how to work them they bead up as fast as any other bead. (See previous post.)

I'll let ya know when the instructions are ready. To be continued..........

Barb :)