I obsessed over the start of this new variation on Eve's Temptation. I just didn't like having such a long point on it. I tried this and then that and ripped out and started again at least a half dozen times. Until I finally hit on something I like. And then I had to keep knitting because I *really* like it! In the process, I got a more rounded bottom on it and changed to 11/0 beads, which in these end pieces are a minor element anyway. I may end up liking this one even more than the original!
Here is a shot of my progress as of this morning -- knit on size 1.5 needles in cash/silk:
See how the snakey element is winding up on the sides? I like that. The trunk of the tree is just now taking shape so is hard to see here. I am loving the sinuousness of the curves.