I decided to make my first paternoster (period rosary), and since I like things that are a tad different, I based my work from a 16th century Skull Rosary. Each bead is a little boxwood skull that opens up. There are only 7 beads left on the original piece. The origin is either German or Spanish.

I found the bone skulls and the datewood beads at Fire Mountian Gems. I originally made the paternoster a 10 decade (10 sets of sets of 10 skulls separated by a wooden bead), all strung on yellow silk floss with a goldtone cross on the tail. But, this proved to be way to long (at least for me), so I had to change my design. Not to mention I was afraid of the silk breaking at an event. To view a closeup, click HERE.

I decided to make my paternoster a 5 decade (5 sets of 10 skulls) and use wire as the connecting source instead of silk. Due to the wire loops between each bead, it is still longer than I preferred, but now I will not worry about it breaking too easily. I added a couple pewter skeletons and tiny pewter skulls for an added effect. Over all, I like it and do wear it; either hanging from my belt or wrapped around the handle of my sewing basket. To view a closeup, click HERE.

On a side note, this paternoster has gotten me my first commission; my son's friend wants one, but larger skulls as the gauds and round garnets as the aves. Plus, for the joining pieces (where the loop joins the tail) he wants to use his wedding ring (his wife died six months ago). I have all the items and am just waiting the ring in the mail. He choose a lovely, sterling silver cross, also from Fire Mountian Gems.