Beadwork & Metal 2: Somewhere in Time
©2023 by Cynthia Rutledge

By the early 19th century, the importance of being able to tell the time, no matter where you were, became vogue among wealthy travelers. The development of the carriage clock was designed to meet the need for a portable timepiece. These diminutive French time pieces were individually made to order, so there was a wide variety of decorative variations and movements.

This style of clock making was still in the experimental stages due to the development of these special movements. Carriage clocks needed to be able to be moved, so many of the early designs had mechanical flaws. But, by the mid 19th century, many of these problems were solved. Some even had calendars and alarms! Most of the clocks had sturdy carrying cases designed for travel.

Beadwork & Metal 2: Somewhere in Time was inspired by the “gorge” case style of carriage clocks. Most were only about 4 inches tall. Gorge, meaning a steep valley or canyon, refers to the intricate mouldings on the cases. These clocks were made primarily with rectangular cases that had stair stepped bases and flat fitted feet. Moulding continued up all sides ending with a moulded top and a shaped handle.

This design is created in parts; the stair stepped base, the clock case floor and walls, ending with the lid and handle. The quartz clock is fully operational and is compression fit into the beaded frame so that the time can be set and the battery can be changed.

Skill level: Advanced. This workshop was designed as an exclusive for Beadventures Travel for the New Zealand/Australia Cruise February 21 – March 9, 2024

Workshop Length: This workshop is the second in the Beadwork & Metal: Meet in the Middle series. Once the workshop becomes available, it will be taught over three weekends that are separated by two – three weeks in order for students to have time to bead.

Clock dimensions: 6 inches tall with the handle up by 4 inches wide by 2 ¾ inches deep.

Metal Techniques:

• This workshop uses 24-gauge aluminum sheet. Students do not need any metal working skills.

• Cutting metal

• Punching holes

• Measuring

• Layering with support materials

Beading Techniques:

• Cubic right-angle weave (CRAW)

• Embellishing techniques

• Flat, even count peyote stitch with decreases

• Odd count flat peyote stitch with pattern