Mom and Me

My beloved mother and I had the chance to spend some "quality time" together :) We sat together and each one of us was doing the things she likes to do.

She was attaching rings to gold-plated fringe components, using only one chain-nose pliers and tongs to open them. I was surprised by this strange method, so I asked her why doesn't she use two pliers, like I usually do, and tried to convince her to try it my way by warning her about ruining the shape of the rings.

Working Together/ Mom's Special Method

She insisted working in her way, and then she said we would make a little competition: each one of us will use her own method and we would check who was able to open more rings. Well, I lost in this competition.. :) She managed to do it much quicker! Defeated, I returned to my beading tray and continued my needle work with bugles... :) I didn't try to argue with her anymore..

The fringe she was making was to be attached to a new special ornamented hat, which is the main decorative item in a Yemenite bride costume. This special costume is worn during a traditional Yemenite "Henna" wedding party.
My mother taught a lot of women how to make these costumes, using beads and silver and gold components, that were handmade mainly by my late grandfather, who was a Yemenite silversmith.

Traditional Yemenite Bride Costume

I really admire my mother for keeping this tradition alive and especially for the intricate artistic work she is doing.

My Mom's Embroidery Work

While I was writing this post, I recalled that many months ago I beaded a set of jewels for a Yemenite lady, who specifically asked Yemenite-style jewels to wear on her son's wedding. So, here is what I managed to design for her:

A Peyote Changeable Necklace and Brick Earrings

I beaded a peyote spiral with a big diamond-shape pendant, which can be folded into half to make a triangle shape, and added few peyote beaded beads, that can be removed or change their order.
I also beaded earrings in brick-stitch and a peyote bracelet with loops on the edges to complete this set.

Peyote Bracelet with Loops

The lady was very satisfied and happy with it, so I was satisfied too.. :)