Dragon's Gate Necklace (Kyoto Garden)

This is one of the trickiest forms I make, even though it looks so sleek and minimalist.

Creating the shape is quite straightforward, it is made from 7 pieces of washi. The hardest part is the hardening process because of the hollow core window. I have been experimenting when to add the solidifying filler. It is easiest to coat the inside before I put the core in, but sometimes it solidifies and pushes the washi just a few millimeters out, and the form doesn't connect up as I'd like. If I put the core in first, it is hard to access the other side of the window to make it as strong as I'd like.

The first way seems to be the most effective, but I often need to make 2 for each order until I am happy that it has solidified perfectly aligned.

This Dragon's gate necklace is made from one of my favourite washi patterns, I found it in a traditional washi shop in an alley in Kyoto. The background is a deep purple-blue, a strong vibrant colour that washi does so well. Flowers in all shapes and colours are outlined in shimmering gold. I chose to highlight the gold outline with glimmering simple gold inlays. The pattern and the gold give this necklace a very elegant and sophisticated feel, while the hollow centre makes it so intriguing.

Each piece of jewelry comes in its own matching box so that you don't need to wrap it before you give it as a present. it also works well for easy storage.