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Try A Beaded Background

February 2, 2017 Jennifer Lutz

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Beaded-Background-FB

When I decided not to finish the entire Paint, Stitch, Bead project I was working on last summer, I had every intention of finishing up two sections and having them framed. That was only (ahem) five or six months ago, so it was time to add a beaded background and git ‘er done!

 

Beaded-Background-1

Painted background need some texture

The elements in the Paintstik rubbings on either side of the feather were too small for both embroidery and beading, so I set out to see how I could add some interest without competing too much with the feather.

 

Beaded-Background-2

Beads for the Green section of the background

First the Green section. I liked the idea of adding beads to the dots in the pattern, so I chose O-beads and a small seedbeads from my small (but growing) bead collection.

 

Beaded-Background-3

Bring needle up through o-bead and seed bead

The beading is very simple. Up through the o-bead and the seed bead…

 

Beaded-Background-4

Push needle down through o-bead

… then back down through the o-bead. The seed bead is bigger than the hole in the o-bead, so it holds everything in place.

 

Green section of background complete

I love this combination – it adds texture without being distracting. The effect is similar to the Knotty Stop Beads I used in another section of this piece – but a lot less work!

 

Beaded-Background-6

Beads for Blue section of background

The Blue section of the background was more challenging. I tried half a dozen ideas using the beads I had on hand, then threw in the towel and headed over to the bead store. Thankfully, they had some lovely triangular beads in a warm color tone that looked great with some short bugle beads from my stash.

 

Beaded-Background-7

Needle up through one hole in triangle bead and short bugle bead

Again, the beading was super-simple. Up through one hole and the bugle bead, down through the other hole. It took two passes of thread through these beads to keep everything snug in the right place.

 

Beaded-Background-8

Blue section of background complete

And the result? Another random-feeling beaded background. Nice!

 

Beaded-Background-9

Oops! One feather still needs work.

I was ready to do my little happy dance when I noticed the partial feather on the bottom right. Opps! No beads! My beaded backgrounds are complete, but there’s a bit of work to be done before I send this off to the framer. Soon… very soon…

 

Your Turn

Are you using beads to add bling to your hand embroidery or painted fabric? Leave a comment below. I love to hear what you’re thinking about.

Filed Under: Blog, Hand Stitching & Embroidery Tagged With: Move to New Site

Comments

  1. Linda says

    February 2, 2017 at 10:17 am

    I absolutely love this idea of embellishing the designs with beads. It adds another dimension of texture and of course color. Wonderful idea. I am getting ready to paint a couple of plain long-sleeved turtle-neck winter shirts with your texture plates to add some interest. The beading will add that last bit of sparkle for these gray winter days. Thank you.

    • ShellyStokes says

      February 2, 2017 at 11:44 am

      I’m glad you enjoyed the new idea, Linda. The beads are a great way to add some sparkle.

  2. Diane says

    February 2, 2017 at 11:20 am

    Very interesting. I like your chooses of stacked beads. I have also started looking at adding beads to my work. I did a small piece years ago and now retired ready to do more. I took a class at Houston from Nancy Eha Beaded Kaleidoscopes. Learned a lot and actually finished the class project. Looking forward to Mondays class.

    • ShellyStokes says

      February 2, 2017 at 11:44 am

      Thanks, Diane. I took a Crazy Beading course from Nancy Eha. She is a fountain of good information when it comes to beading!

  3. Etta Stewart says

    February 2, 2017 at 1:48 pm

    Shelly, I have been using beads for ahwhile. Your examples are stunning. I will post a picture or 2 on FB

    • ShellyStokes says

      February 2, 2017 at 4:26 pm

      Thanks, Etta! Definitely post some photos. I would love to see what you are doing with beads.

  4. Mary says

    February 2, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    Beautiful! Your work keeps getting better and better.

    • ShellyStokes says

      February 6, 2017 at 3:46 pm

      Thanks, Mary. It’s fun to see things evolve over time. You start with one thing, add something new, and then another something new. I usually have no idea where I’m going when I start. I’m constantly amazed how well things work out.

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