Bead Love: A beautifully encased and encrusted heart from Edgar Lopez

Edgars work has a rich opulence to it that I first noticed back in 2011 while preparing Marcia DeCoster Presents. I asked him to be included in the book and fortunately for me, he agreed. I must say I love every sparkly thing he creates! I was fortunate enough to meet him in person while he and I both happened to be in New York City at the same time. We are very fortunate that he is sharing with us one of several hearts that he has created! Enjoy making this beautiful pendant! Marcia

MATERIALS: -

- #8 seed beads (code: 8SB).

- #11 seed beads (color A, code: 11SBA).

- #11 seed beads (color B, code: 11SBB).

- #11 seed beads (color C, code: 11SBC).

- #11 seed beads (color D, code: 11SBD).

- #15 seed beads (color A code: 15SBA).

- #15 seed beads (color B code: 15SBB).

- 4 mm bicone Swarovski (44 crystals) color A code. : 4SCA.

- 4 mm bicone Swarovski (37 crystals) color B code. : 4SCB.

- 3 mm bicone Swarovski (14 crystals) code. : 3SC

- 2 or 2.5 mm round or rondelle crystals (40 crystals) code: 2RC.

- 20 x 30 mm oval rivoli.

- Chain

Step 1 Take two 11SBA (#11 seed bead color A) + one 3SC (3 mm Swarovski crystal) + two 11SBA + one 3SC, make a circle and a knot, come out in one of the crystals.

Step 2

Add two 11SBA + one 3SC + two 11SBA and pass back through the same crystal, but in the opposite side.

Repeat step 2 one more time, but using 4scb, then repeat the same process 3 more times, but this time adding just one 11sba in the inside and two in the out side, then two more times using 4sca, adding one 11sba in the inside and 3 in the outside, then 3 more times adding one 11sba in the inside and 2 in the outside, then to complete one side repeat same process but this time adding one 4sba + one 11sba + one 4sca + one 11sba. To make the other side repeat the whole process, but in reverse. Then attach both sides passing through one side to the other with one 11sba in the inside and one 11sba + one 3sc + one 11sba in the outside.

Step 3 Create a second piece using Step 1 and 2.

Step 4 To attach both hearts you have to come out in one of the crystals and add on 11SBA and pass through the other crystal that matches in the other heart, inside and outside. Repeat along the entire length of the heart.

Step 5 Once you attach the hearts, add 2 mm crystals (making an X with the crystal and seed beads) in the circles of seed beads on the outside edge of the heart.

Step 6 Travel to the inside of the heart, come out in one of the seed beads in the groups of two down side add one 11SBB and pass through the next group of two seed beads in the front, repeat this process all around of the heart.

Step 7 Come out in the 11SBB placed down in the center of the inside of the heart, add one 8SB and pass through the next 11SBB, repeat this process 3 more times until you have placed four 8SB.

Add one 11SBA pass through the next 11SBB, then add one 15SBA and pass through the next 11SBB, repeat adding the 15SBA until you have placed 8, To place the last 15SBA will be from the last 11SBB and passing through the crystal. Then repeat the same process but inverse

Step 8 Then make 2 times peyote stitch using 11/0 seed beads en in the bottom and 15/0 in the top (in the curve). Make an arc of seven 15/0 seed beads in the 4sba on the top (in the center of the heart).

Step 9 Travel to the other side of the piece and repeat step 6

Step 10 Make a netting stitch using three 11sbb + one 11sba + three 11sbb, skip one 11sbb and pass through the other. Place your stone inside the heart.

Step 11 Repeat the netting stitch 2 more times first, going to the point of the arc in the previous netting (11sba), add one 11sbb + one 11sba + one 11sbb and pass through the other point in the next arc of the netting, repeat all around. Then for the next round of netting travel to the point of the last netting add two 11sbb + one 11sba + two 11sba, skip one of the point of the previous round of netting and pass through the next

Step 12 Fill the netting with the 4 mm crystals, come out in the 11sbb in the bottom of the netting add one 15sb + one 4sca + 15sb and pass through the other 11sbb in front, in the first round of the netting, in the second repeat the same process but using 4scb.

Then in the third round repeat the same process but this time using two 15sb before and after the 4sca.

Step 13 Come out in the 15SB before the crystal, add seven 15SBA and pass through the 15SBA after the crystal, repeat all around.

Step 14 Go to the top (4th seed bead) of the arc of seven 15sb, add one 15sb + one 2rc + one 15sb and pass through the top of the next arc, repeat all around.

Step 15 Come out in the point of the arc in the upside of the hear (4th seed bead) add one 15SBA + one 4SCB + two 15SBA and pass through the 2RC down in the front.