Tassel Away the Hassles

March 13, 2017

Daisy Spring Tassel pendant

Tunic length Daisy Tassel pendant

 

Ocean Jasper Pendant

Ocean Jasper and Rhinestone Pendant

 

There has never been a better time to wear tassels.  There is freedom in the sway of tassels and an implied joy.  At least I think so.

Garnet and Bird Pendant

San Juan Capistrano - with garnet

 

Tassels were orginally used (and still are) as a way to stop the unraveling of a weaving.  It was seen as a sign of prestige, because only the wealthy wore fine woven cloth.  In the 16th century the French started the art of passementerie.  It took 7 years to be fully trained and the tassels would be sold for thousands of dollars made in fine silks.  Now everyone can create a tassel out of threads, leather, and cloth.

Black Cat Tassel pendant

City Cat

 

Leather tassels remind me of the fringe on leather cowboy and cowgirl jackets and I can imagine the rider atop their horse with the fringe bouncing and flowing freely.

 

Victorian Cowgirl leather tassel pendant

Victorian Cowgirl necklace

 

Again the blackbirds sings; the streams Wake, laughing, from their winter dreams, And tremble in the April showers The tassels of the maple flowers. ~John Greenleaf Whittier