Not For Sale - Beaded Skulls & Rustic-Chic Artwork Archives : Untamed Elegance: Beaded Skull Artwork

February 25, 2023September 23, 2023

Commissioned Beaded Skull: The Preacher

The Preacher - Beaded Whitetail Deer Skull Art

This non-typical commissioned beaded skull art piece is named The Preacher. This deer came to me already named because of his large brow tines resembling praying hands. He is the last of a trio of whitetail bucks I have had the honor of reviving into beaded art, including The Boss and Stormy Knight.

The Clay Process

The Preacher had a few missing parts including a tooth and a large “bump” between his antlers which is not unusual with large deer. The tooth took a little time to reconstruct but all in all it was a pretty straight forward clay process.

The Beaded Art Design for The Preacher

Because this was the third skull in this commissioned trio, I wanted to bring in elements from The Boss and Stormy Knight yet still make The Preacher unique. So, I used The Boss’s dark chocolate paired with Stormy Knight’s deep reds. The focal points of the first two pieces incorporated large fan beads in different colors. As gold was also used in both of The Preacher’s companions, I wanted to make that central in this design. However, I could not find fan beads in color that suited this scheme so I switched it up creating the focal point with golden Swarovski Crystal teardrops framed in by round smokey quartz. I incorporated some of the same lines and shapes as with the first two pieces and from there let The Preacher do The Preacher’s thing with Riverstone and plenty of Swarovski bicone and flatback crystals. His “prayer hands” antlers definitely made things challenging at times but he was well forth it in the end.

It was a pleasure creating these three skull art pieces and hope I have an opportunity to coordinate pieces like this again in the future.

April 3, 2022January 8, 2023

Beaded Skull: Stormy Knight

Commissioned beaded skull art piece: Stormy Knight

Beaded skull: Stormy Knight is a large non-typical whitetail buck. He is the second in a trio of whitetail deer skulls I have been commissioned to revive with beaded skull art.

It took a while to find a name for him. The central beaded skull art design reminded me of a hurricane, so I knew Storm had to be part of it. I had wanted to do this type of spiral for some time and it suited is dimensions perfectly.

The Clay Process

This commissioned whitetail skull came to me missing much of his frontal bones. And after final cleaning the remaining nasal cartilage was completely unstable and much simply fell away. Therefore a lot of time was spent carefully reconstructing this area with wire and clay. This process was time consuming and complicated, as was the beaded skull art design I chose. However, he turned out to be the easiest whitetail deer skull to work with I have thus far encountered.

The Design for Beaded skull: Stormy Knight

I had been waiting for the right skull to do a spiral design on. The width of this whitetail’s skull suited this just right. I wanted to pull in some of the beaded art design elements from The Boss, it’s commissioned partner piece, to make this beaded skull compatible for display with that first piece. Because of that, this was again a much more symmetrical design than is my norm.

Where The Boss is chocolate and dark berry, Stormy Knight’s coloration suits his name using black and shades of ruby red. The round black onyx bead at the center and black onyx fan set encompassing the spirals emphasize the spiral pattern. Metallic faceted silver beads mimic streaks of lightening near the center while bright silver on the side edges evoke a “silver lining” after the storm. Black and dark red Swarovski bicone crystals are used generously throughout the design. And red flat back Swarovski’s bring a random flash of intense color. Oval Riverstone replace the Jasper used on the previous skull while some straight lines and diamond shapes were incorporated here to coordinate the two commissioned beaded art skulls.

I personally love a stormy night. Perhaps that’s why this skull, despite it’s dramatic features and detail oriented beaded skull art design, came together with no obstacles other than time. And I was very happy to do what it took to wait out this Stormy Knight.

Stormy Knight pre-clay. — The beaded skull art process for Stormy Knight from beginning to end.

Stormy Knight after clay and reconstruction. — The beaded skull art process for Stormy Knight from beginning to end.

If you have your own skull, European, or shield mount, whatever the species, Leesa can craft it into a treasured one-of-a-kind artwork centerpiece for you. Contact her at Leesa@UntamedElegance.net or 616.422.2342.

July 16, 2021July 16, 2021

Commissioned Beaded Skull Art

The Boss

The Boss is a large non-typical whitetail buck. He is the first in a trio of whitetail deer I have been commissioned to revive with beaded skull art.

He is the largest of the three and by far the longest whitetail deer skull I have had the honor of working with. And in the images below, you can see the large mass of bone between his antlers, which reminded me of a buffalo boss. For those two reasons he got his name as soon as he came to me.

The Clay Process

This skull required extra time in the clay process due to that “boss” and several other smaller areas like it, as well as large gaps in the skull structure. I actually had to enlist my husband to file down a bit of the area between the antlers because it was so high on one side, making him very lopsided. However, once the clay was complete, he became much more staple. Can you imagine carry so much extra weight on one side of your head?

The Beaded Skull Art Design

The intricacy of the design also added more time to complete this commissioned beaded skull art piece. My designs are not normally so symmetrical, because skulls are not symmetrical…plus I just love flowing lines. Therefore this type of design is more challenging. However the central design lead the way in the overall scheme and more symmetry felt right. Although the design was tricky and some hard-to-get-to areas around the antlers and back of the eyes were taxing, all in all, considering he is The Boss, he was otherwise quite cooperative.

The length of this skull allowed for an exceptionally large center piece, featuring 3 red carnelian fan sets along with red magma and mocca Swarovski bicone crystals. While gold seed beads give a touch of classy definition the brecciated Jasper brings together the dark berry, deep chocolate and bronze color scheme of this beaded skull design.

Red carnelian is said to represent self-confidence, fearlessness and courage. Although this gemstone was not chosen because of these qualities it certainly is a perfect fit for The Boss.

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September 23, 2020September 23, 2020

Keepsake Beaded Skull Art

Devon’s Legacy

This is not a large whitetail deer however; he is a VERY important one. This buck is in memory of Devon Kurzhals who was a very loved young man who was taken from this world too soon. Therefore, it was my great honor to create this one-of-a-kind keepsake beaded skull art piece for this wonderful, loving family.

Devon liked aquatic colors and his Grandma Jean loves turquoise so blending the two together was the perfect solution for the entire family.

A gorgeous teardrop magnesite at the center of this flowing design lends its turquoise coloration and feel to the color scheme. Round magnesite beads circle the antler bases and arch through the design while round riverstones and other shades of blue bring in cool aquatic shades. Glass beads of brown and greens compliment both the blues and the center piece pulling the color scheme together.

I am grateful that Devon’s family allowed me to create a keepsake beaded skull art work from this small piece of Devon’s life thereby giving it a “new life”. I hope it brings happy memories to all of them for many, many years to come.

Continue reading about Devon’s Legacy on my Blog.

Scroll down to see images of the making of Devon’s Legacy.

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The Making of Devon’s Legacy, a keepsake whitetail deer beaded skull art piece.

Whitetail buck to be beaded in Devon's honor. — Devon’s buck before cleaning.

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March 20, 2019April 28, 2020

Whitetail Doe

This enchanting whitetail doe beaded skull is both delicate and commanding. Her elaborate design continually draws the eye into ever-unfolding details.

She begins with a group of clear round glass and silver seed bead trim atop a shimmering metallic-silver undercoat. Shades of white teardrop, oval and round faux pearls fan outward toward crystal Rhinestones, black opaque faceted and silver-lined seed beads. This intricate design is completed with bright white seeds beads and clear faux Crystal discs.

Is she calling to mind winter’s ice, a graceful flower or a diamond in the rough? Perhaps a snowflake, delicate and different from all others or something as intangible as a sweet memory or dream?

This whitetail doe beaded skull remains an unnamed, treasured piece in Leesa’s private collection. She does not offer doe skulls, but if you have one of your own, you can commission Leesa to create your own treasured one-of-a-kind art piece.

Whitetail Doe, White Beaded Skull in a Garden.

Whitetail Doe, White Beaded Skull on a fur rug.

Leesa does not offer doe skulls, but if you have one of your own, you can commission her to create your own treasured one-of-a-kind art piece by contacting her at Leesa@UntamedElegance.net or 616.422.2342.

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March 18, 2019July 25, 2021

Ancient Warrior

Ancient Warrior is a whitetail deer beaded skull art piece. He features five teardrop red tiger eye stones. Gold rocaille, Czech bronze, diamond faceted, and copper seed beads all border these stones and form a central cross. Leather insets and an array of brown and black seed beads complete a rustic-chic design. Organic round wood beads adorn his antler bases. All of these components move together in striking unison to portray a primal fighting spirit.

Humans evolved from gatherer/hunter to defender/warrior while other species, like the deer, have stayed ever true as the “pure” warrior. He was born to defend his territory, breeding rights, and stand his ground against his own species and predators, two legged or four.

Ancient Warrior is not for sale as he remains part of the artists private beaded skull art and taxidermy collection.

Ancient Warrior whitetail deer beaded skull art extreme closeup

Ancient Warrior Whitetail Buck Beaded Skull Wall Mount

Ancient Warrior whitetail beaded skull art

Although this piece is not for sale, if you have your own skull, European, or shield mount, whatever the species, Leesa can craft it into a one-of-a-kind artwork centerpiece for you. Contact her at Leesa@UntamedElegance.net or 616.422.2342.

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March 15, 2019September 23, 2020

Steenbok, African Antelope Beaded Skull

African Antelope Beaded Skull Shield Mount, South Africa Steenbok — South African Steenbok Beaded Skull Shield Mount

This Steenbok, an African antelope beaded skull shield mount, is an example of the diversity in beading as an alternative to traditional taxidermy. Despite its small size this is a full-grown, mature male. The Steenbok is such a small African antelope that full- grown adults are often thought to be babies by visitors. They may be petite but males are highly territorial, protecting their mating rights aggressively.

This impressive buck, mounted on a shield, sports an excellent set of horns with bases surrounded by gold twisted cording. The species spends much time grooming so the Teardrop Peacock Pennant, central to his design suits his dapper nature perfectly.

The remainder of the piece is formed from black, silver-lined green and gold seed beads. They allude to both his elegant yet assertive nature and the intrigue of the Dark Continent.

This regal Steenbok African antelope beaded skull is not for sale. Leesa beaded this piece for her husband and it is proudly on display in their home as part of their private collection.

If you have your own skull, European, or shield mount, whatever the species, Leesa can craft it into a one-of-a-kind artwork centerpiece for you.

Steenbok, African Antelope Beaded Skull Shield Mount front view

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