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Beads and sequins are often referred to as embellishments, but they are the stars of this show! Maker Team member Felicia of @felicia_murray is showing us how to layer these small craft supplies for a big impact. Let's try our hand at dimensional beading, shall we?
Create a whimsical, magical, tiny world by stacking colorful, iridescent beads and sequins. Beading can look intimidating at first but, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can become a master in no time! The repetitive action of beading can also be very therapeutic and meditative. You can apply these techniques to embroideries, embellishments, or use them to create a one of a kind piece of artwork!
Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 3 - 6 hours
Supplies:
Iridescent Sequins (Rose Quartz, Citrine, Jade Green and Aquamarine shown)
Seed Beads (Rose Quartz, Citrine, Jade Green and Aquamarine shown)
Embroidery Hoop, 6" or smaller
One 9 x 12" sheet of Wool Blend Felt (Linen shown)
Beading Needle
Thread
Scissors
Tacky Glue
Instructions:
Stretch your backing felt in the embroidery hoop. Thread your needle and set out supplies you plan to use.
Beaded Clump
1. Come up through the felt with your needle. I usually start my design in a random place and let it grow out from there.
2. Place between 3-5 beads on your needle. Using a random amount will allow your clump to be more organic.
3. Go back down through the felt a couple millimeters away from where you came up.
4. Repeat steps 1-3. When you come back down through the felt, you can cross over the previous beads to build your clump.
Stacked Sequin + Bead
1. Come up through the felt with your needle.
2. Place one sequin and then one bead onto your needle.
3. Go back down with your needle ONLY through the sequin, and not through the bead. Make sure your needle goes through the felt approximately where you came up.
4. Repeat steps 1-3.
Sequin + Bead Loops
1. Come up through the felt with your needle.
2. Place alternating sequins and beads onto your needle, always starting with a sequin and ending with a bead. The more you place on your needle, the longer the loop.
3. Go down with your needle through the felt. The closer you are to where you came up, the taller the loop will be.
4. Repeat steps 1-3.
Taller Stacks
1. Come up through the felt with your needle.
2. Place alternating sequins and beads onto your needle, always starting with a sequin and ending with a bead. The more you place on your needle, the taller the stack.
3. Go down with your needle through ALL beads and sequins EXCEPT for the top bead. This can be tricky to get the hang of at first. Make sure your needle goes through the felt approximately where you came up.
4. Repeat steps 1-3.
Bead Loops
1. Come up through the felt with your needle.
2. Place beads onto your needle until you have a long strand. The more beads you place on your needle, the longer the loop will be.
3. Go down with your needle through the felt very close to where you came up.
4. Repeat steps 1-3.
Once you've finished beading, readjust felt to fit tightly in the embroidery hoop. Trim excess fabric and glue felt edges to the back inside rim of the hoop.
You just created your very own unique piece of art! Continue to experiment with layering the different techniques as well as incorporating beads and sequins of various sizes and shapes. The possibilities are endless!
Thanks to Felicia for designing and writing this tutorial! You can follow her on Instagram @felicia_murray or visit her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials from the Benzie Design Maker Team!
