Animal Inspirations
Part 3 of 3
Elephants are simply majestic creatures. They have been an inspiration in jewelry designs for eons especially in India and Africa where elephants feature in their legends and are very much part of their culture and heritage.


Here are some tutorials to feature them in designs. First up is the Beaded Fabric Elephant pendant necklace tutorial by Idekuhandmade. I love how the bead work forms the The instructions are in Indonesian Malay but you can either use Google Translate or the pictures will suffice.

If you aren't fond of fabric jewelry, then check out the cute 3D beaded elephant from mk.perles.  The pdf instructions are in French.


A simpler beaded elephant head tutorial by Leia on Beadiecritters.com is ideal for  a key chain or back pack adornment. A more elaborate elephant head tutorial also on the same site features pink ears!

When I was a little girl, I remember my mother had a hollow gold ring which contained some elephant hair. When I asked her why she bought it, she laughed and said perhaps it will help her remember!


Did you know there are real elephant hair bracelets? These have been popular in Africa for centuries. They are very durable and made from the tail hairs which can be a couple of feet long. They are believed to have a protective function. Yes, you can still buy them today at the African Crafts Market (see above). The hair is collected from the bases of trees where elephants rub against them.

Wire workers will be pleased to know you can make an elephant hair style bracelet out of wire. One outstanding feature of the claspless elephant hair bracelet design is the ability to open up or tighten the bracelet by simply moving the wrapped "knots".  Ganoksin.com has the tutorial. There is no picture of a completed project.

More Animal Posts:
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
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