A few years ago I dabbled in bead embroidery...for about 5 seconds. I think I started two projects but never completed either of them. A few weeks prior to Bead Fest, the bead embroidery bug bit me again. This time I see in a new light, as a way to embellish my own ceramic work.
If you are interested in beginning bead embroidery, I highly recommend
Beading with Cabochons by Jamie Cloud Eakin.
Also check out
Beadaholique's website for lots of wonderful video tutorials. I keep their website open and this book next to me while I work.
I've made about three pieces so far, two of which I've finished. The first became a gift for my mother-in-law, the second, I messed up the edge and the third I completed on Saturday evening...
I started by gluing one of my own stoneware cabochons to some Lacey's Stiff Stuff (available
here). Once the glue dried, I started adding my rows using a simple backstitch. I do this while watching tv because it's pretty mindless and relaxing.
After I completed the large cabochon, I realized I wanted to push myself a bit more. I embroidered a small stoneware cabochon and used the direct attachment method to connect it to the larger piece. I then added a ladder-stitch bail (I used two needles-go me!) and had a finished piece!
There are some tension issues here and there but I know that I'll get better as I make more pieces. Bead embroidery is addictive and I've already started on my next project!
Happy Beading!
Diana P.
Suburban Girl Studio LLC
