Another Challenge

Alhambra Tiles Cuff

It was just about a year ago when I entered my very first Etsy Beadweaver's Team challenge - my first challenge ever!  I had a wonderful time designing a cuff bracelet for Mary, Queen of Scots for the theme "Royalty Throughout Time."  I've since participated in several of the team's fun challenges, but haven't entered one in awhile.  When the March theme, "Destinations," was announced, I figured it was time to jump in again. 

If you could go anywhere in the world (or out of it, as the challenge allows fantasy destinations as well!) where would you choose?  My chosen destination popped right into my head; I would love to visit the Alhambra palaces in Spain.  For me, the Alhambra has the allure of the Taj Mahal, the exotic pull of the temple at Angkor Wat, and the majesty of the legendary Samarkand.  Historically and culturally, it is an amazing blend of both western and eastern influences..

Built in the mid-14^th century by the Moorish rulers of medieval Spain, the Alhambra has been called “a pearl set in emeralds”, an apt description of its creamy white stone walls within lush green gardens.  The palaces' plain stone exteriors contain lavish interior ornamentation both in their architecture and decoration, much of which features exquisitely detailed and glazed tiles.  The style of this ornamentation evolved through five centuries and represents the reinterpretation of Western decorative forms by Eastern cultural influences.  The style reached its height at the time of the Alhambra's construction.

In 1492 the Moorish rulers were overthrown, and the Alhambra palaces came under the control of the Catholic monarchs of Spain.  In that same year, Columbus undertook his historic voyages and began the dissemination of Spanish culture throughout a New World.  The heritage of the Alhambra’s ornamentation is visible in the modern-day Talavera and Mayolica pottery and glazed tile of Mexico.


My bracelet design features five "tiles", actually open frames of cubic right angle weave, and departs slightly from the traditional colors of red, gold and cobalt blue, as I used turquoise in place of the true blue.   The motifs are comprised of bezeled Swarovski 29ss chaton stones in hyacinth satin and topaz, with corner ornaments of seed beads and 3mm Swarovski bicone beads in red magma and topaz.  Pairs of pacific opal rondelles link the tiles.  A loop and toggle clasp finishes the bracelet.

I hope I'll get to visit the Alhambra one day.  I expect to be astounded by the richness of its design and ornamentation which were created to embody a "paradise on earth."  In the meantime, I really enjoyed creating this bracelet for the challenge!

You may visit the team's blog at www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com and check out all the entries.  Voting for the challenge will take place during March 9 through 15 at the blog website.  These challenges always feature an incredible array of beadwoven beauty; you'll be rewarded with a lot of "eye candy".   Hope you'll visit and vote for your favorite entry!