Wading into the world of Beaded Embroidery!!

I have finally done it!! I have been wanting to jump in for a very long time!! I finally took the plunge after seeing some amazing cuff bracelets created by my dear friend Jean!! She has been doing bead work for years and does beautiful work! I would share a link to her work with you but she does not have a web presence!! BO HOO!!

I have long been following the INCREDIBLE WORK of bead artist Robin Atkins. She has a wonderfu web site and runs an amazing annual project called the Bead Journal Project.

When you have a chance, if you do not know Robin, you must follow these links to see all of her amazing bead work. I have been so inspired by Robin, her work and her philosophy of beading and artwork, that I decided that it was high time that I tried some bead embroidery.

Here is the result of my first venture.

Here is the piece before attaching it to the cuff form. I was not quite sure of the best way to get an accurate edge outline so the beads would rest right along the outer edge of the metal piece. I used purple felt backed with fusible interfacing so my stitches and thread would not pull through the felt. I stitched the beads on after placing and stitching the metal zippers. I was going to try to stick to a color scheme, but I remembered Robin's words " When you first start, pick beads that speak to you- a reason is not necessary, just use what you love!!" (That is a bit of a paraphrase but it IS her basic philosophy of beadwork.)

I found this wonderful read zipper on a wool jacket that I felted for other creative endeavors. I was about to cut the zipper just before the toggle and then decided that I really liled the design of the pull and the patina on the metal so I kept it for an added design element. I am so glad that I did!!!

In some cases I went a bit beyond the marked edge and I know that I need some guidance on my edging stitching!!! I really sort of winged that part!! I managed to cobble it together and I am thrilled with it. I am all ready to start on my next cuff. This one will have a theme- Beach!! I am going to use shades of white and cream and blue and then add pieces of wampum shell that I have been collecting over the years. I have started to focus on finding those pieces that already have wonderful holes and texture drilled into them by other sea creatures holes , so they are perfect for beadwork!! When I was younger and walking the beach, these were the pieces that I always discarde because they had "Yucky Worm Holes" in them that marred their surface!!! One really really can't keep everything!!!!

So stay tuned for more bead work!!