Venetian Necklaces

Venetian Plaited Lace is one of the earliest handmade bobbin lace techniques, with origins dating back to the 16th century. Surviving books of patterns document early stages of the craft, and show the ingenuity of the first designers. With just a few pairs of bobbins they were able to create lace edgings of impressive variety and lasting beauty.

“Creative spirit is inherent in lace techniques – in that respect, lace is truly a daughter of the Renaissance.”

Venetian lace is an ideal technique for metal medium. Original patterns can be used as they are, without any adjustment. They are suitable for beginners, but they offer a lot of inspiration to the advanced lacemakers as well. We are lucky to have access to a wonderful book of early Venetian lace patterns, “Le Pompe”, which was originally published in Venice in year 1559 (facsimile with introduction by Santina M. Levey, technical section by Patricia C. Payne, drawings by Bridget M. Cook, 1983). Many patterns for my necklaces come from there.

Venetian Spires Necklace
Material: Fine silver with shell beads, silk ribbon

Venetian Necklace

Venetian Choker
Material: Blue-enamelled copper, glass seed beads, silk ribbon

Venetian Choker

Photography: Kenji Nagai

Copyright © 2014 Lenka Suchanek. All rights reserved.