About two years ago....

...I made this gigantic blue hollow porcelain bead. I was pretty excited about it. I mean, it's hollow! Those who make ceramic beads might understand my joy (we are an odd bunch who take pleasure in simple things...)

Anyhoo, I have held on to this bead for a few years now, not sure what to do with it. In my typical fashion I have made several pieces with it and have taken them apart, not satisfied with the result. Part of the problem is that it is just so freaking big!

See what I mean? It's a monster.

Then last week, while I was at the hair salon reversing time, I got the idea for this necklace. I used large lava beads (I am determined to use up these beads!), large glass pearls in a lovely gunmetal color and bright green grosgrain ribbon.

I am very pleased with the result and will not be taking this one apart. Yay! The big-ass hollow bead has finally found a home!

Thanks for all the kind comments on my last post. One of you asked for some tips when working with ribbon... I'm probably not the best person to be giving tips since I don't use it too often but the one bit of advice I can give is to use Fray Check on the ends. Not groundbreaking info, I know, but I have found it to be invaluable for keeping the ends nice and clean and crisp. If that is the look you are going for, that is. Use super sharp scissors to make a clean cut and then apply Fray Check to the edges (it will dry invisible) and you won't have to worry about your new creation looking all mangy after a little handling.
That's my tip of the day! Hope someone found it helpful. :)