Big Bad Beaded Buttons

Thank you to those who commented on my post yesterday concerning my daughter's coat. I loved making it for her.

Previously, I spoke of Christine Reilly--the bead embroiderer extraordinaire. One of the classes she taught is "beaded buttons". These begin with a covered button form-3/4" and up are good sizes. The form is covered with fabric, as covered buttons are normally made, with the addition of a layer of lightweight quilt batting under the fabric. That pads the surface for embroidery.

In the samples above, the buttons are large--2". They aren't meant to be used as closures. I attach them to my garment using a button pin on the backside. The white button is actually lace with beads embroidered on top, and beaded fringe dangling.

In the center of both of the buttons is what is called a "crown rim setting". A round crystal is "fixed" by beading around it with seed beads, securing the crystal. NO GLUE! Around the exterior of the buttons, I made a beaded ruffle. These are fun, and can match any garment.

I have a lot of beading books. Here's a photo of just a few:

Another person who does absolutely fabulous bead-work is

RobinAtkins. Her beaded buttons are completely covered with beads. Gorgeous!

And last, here's beaded motif that I intend to mount and frame one of these days. I copied the design out a book, and bead-embroidered it. It was a sample to teach myself some techniques.

Now, back to my beads.

Beads and Things

I LOVE beads and sequins. Sometimes, I just need a little bling in my life. Put those shiny things on fabric and what could be better?

I took beaded embroidery classes from ChristineReilly, who does gorgeous work. She had a business in Michigan, but moved to Tennessee. We miss her. I've taught some classes at my neighborhood ASG group. Some people find handwork tedious. Others need a little handwork "fix" now and then. I am one of those.

This is a project I'm working on--a beaded evening bag. This bag is called "Noriko" -a free project from LazyGirl blog. There are four identical sides to this bag. I'm making mine from an ivory background/black geometric printed fabric and beading it with black bugles, seed beads and sequins.

Black beads on black print are subtle, but pretty when the light hits them. I found a method to keep the beads under control, so they don't spill. I cut a piece of Contact shelf liner (adhesive stabilizers or any other stick-back paper will work), and peel off the backing. Pin the Contact adhesive-side up to a padded board, such as one of the June Tailor boards. The beads can be spread out on the adhesive side of the Contact, and they stay put! Here is a picture of my board, with the project in progress.

Pinned to the board are a piece of felt with needles and a package of needle threaders. I can pick up this board and move it from room to room without the beads spilling. This particular board is 18"x24".

I'm thinking of adding a flap to the top of this bag and some type of closure. Red lining. Then, there's the handle to consider. Eventually it will all pull together.

Bye for now.