how do you create a nest piece of jewelry?

The February EBW Challenge theme is simply Nest.  You can read more about it here.  Around the time that the challenge was announced, I came across this tutorial via Pintrest.

Source: sarahortega.com via Rose on Pinterest

There are a number of variations of this idea out there, but I decided that this tutorial would work perfectly for a little nest that could be part of a beadwoven piece.

I made the nest first.  I used some pearls that I had left over from an old project.  Wire wrapping is not really something that I enjoy, but this was pretty easy and the result is very satisfying.

I paired the silver nest with brown cube beads, brown and white lamp work beads, and seed beads in earthy tones.

There are so many possibilities for these little nests, but in keeping with my goals for this year, I used my skinny wrapped peyote cuff design as the base for this bracelet.  The nest is so small and delicate that it doesn't need a substantial piece of beadwork paired with it.  It just needs something that fits with its style.

The lamp work glass beads are from Jen of blueseraphim.  I'd never embellished a cuff this skinny with lamp work beads, but it worked very well.  (I used a larger white bead of hers for the clasp, too.)  I have some square beads from her in other colors and may use them for similar bracelets.  Any thoughts on this?

I am not planning to make nests for more beadwoven pieces in the near future.  However, I would like to get some metal charms to pair with them for charm sets.

Do you have a preference?  Are there other bird charms that you like?

This bracelet is available in my Etsy shop right here.  Voting for the EBW challenge will take place February 9-15.  I will post more information about it then.  For now, you can check out the other entries for the challenge by searching "ebwc" on Etsy.

I included this post in Michelle's Delicately Constructed Friday 1/20/11.