Here’s a sneak peek at a design that didn’t make it into my upcoming book.
It is a large pendant. I actually love the pattern, but am not 100% happy with the movement of the piece. It tends to lie fairly flat when worn, but I would prefer a piece that is stiffer and less supple (ie, less prone to curling when the wearer leans forward). So it’s back to the drawing board for this one.
For those crafters who are curious, the piece uses size B20 sterling and niobium (latte blend and mermaid blend), and size G19 in sterling. Yes, you can feel free to reconstruct this piece for yourself. 
Here’s a head-on image for easy reference:
japanese 12-in-2 · japanese chainmaille · japanese diamond · pendant
Frann Ramales · July 12, 2010 at 6:11 PM
I love this, for those of us who have customers/friends/family asking for STARS not flowers. I also like the color combos you used Rebeca. Definitely something to try and iron out. Gorgeous. I can’t wait to get my Flower of Life kit! Eric just emailed me that it’s on it’s way. I love B3
Paula Rudy · July 12, 2010 at 9:39 PM
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Don’t get it here in the deserts of Arizona! Makes me homesick for NYC. This pendant is great. If this is what didn’t make it into the book, it will be even more awesome than I imagined.
Cara_Chapel · July 13, 2010 at 12:20 PM
I wonder if adding seed beads in strategic spotsmight help stiffen it somewhat…. I might try that sometime if I can get a bead-to-ring size ratio in Japanese that will let me add beads right onto the rings.
Cheri Mullins · July 13, 2010 at 1:31 PM
I agree with Paula, it looks very much like a snowflake. I realize you have a snowflake but this one is different. Can’t wait til the book is out!!! Very, very nice.
lizzeee · July 13, 2010 at 5:33 PM
I first saw this on Facebook, and I still think it’s gorgeous! Thanks for being so creative, inventive, and sharing!
Admin comment by Rebeca · July 14, 2010 at 6:51 AM
Thanks for your comments, guys. Over the next few months I’ll post more “failed” experiments as well as some of the fun things that our interns test out, all with the hopes of inspiring you. So many possibilities with just a single shape…. I <3 maille!
Jill @ Liv'nGood Jewelry · July 15, 2010 at 4:18 AM
Gorgeous color combination. You have the best eye for color mixes!
I wonder if it would stiffen up if you used smaller niobium rings? You might have to change the order it’s built (weaving the 2nd sterling ring through the niobium vs closing the niobium around 2 sterling at once) but it might do the trick.
Jill
Admin comment by Rebeca · July 18, 2010 at 11:03 AM
Thanks for the compliment, Jill. I have been REALLY into the turquoise/brown mix these days!
I can’t use smaller niobium rings…that part of the connection is just about as tight as it gets. And actually, I always weave Japanese 12-2 by putting large rings through small ones, rather than vice-versa. Otherwise, trying to close that 2nd niobium ring would be waaaaaay more frustration that it’s worth to me.
What would make it stiffer, actually, would be if the sterling rings were ever so slightly smaller. Like 4.25 mm instead of size G (11/64″ 4.4 mm). The F size (5/32″ 4.0mm) is TOO stiff, so something in between F and G would be perfect. But alas, getting into all the half- and quarter-millimeter size mandrels is a whole’ nother can o’ worms that I don’t want to get myself into.