Beaded edging

or how I really spent Thanksgiving week-end. Did minimal shopping but had a relaxing time just beading.

A friend gave me this beading mat last summer and I have not had a chance to try it until now. I don’t know where you can get it but I bet a local needlework or bead store could help you but here are a couple references I found:

http://www.amazon.com/Beadsmith-BMS1-Sticky-Bead-Mat/dp/B003SRGE5M

http://www.widgetsupply.com/product/BDH10.html?gclid=CNOv7eiZ8rMCFQVgMgod7G0Arg

Even found this Double sized mat, but I thought the smaller one was just right for needlepoint:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/95260015/sticky-bead-mat-xl-double-sided?utm_source=googleproduct&utm_medium=syndication&utm_campaign=GPS&gclid=CMjE5YmZ8rMCFc5cMgod7i8AIQ

shows how few beads fell off …but I did not shake it just turned on side.

I love this thing, kept the beads in place and allowed me to have the beads close as I stitched around the piece. I had seen this finishing technique at an EGA meeting last spring and filled a mental picture away for later use.

After stitching the needlepoint I finished two separate pieces over archival safe illustration board (or whatever you use. It has to have some weight

5 beads was the width of my ornament …yours ma be different

to it to support the beads and needlepoint, but I thought foam core would be too bulky) I used a piece of extra fluffy batting to give some padding to both sides.  I also did not glue the pieces on but laced them to each illustration board, then I stitched the two sided together. My beading was 5 beads to cover (depending on the size of you bead and your backing board yours may be different.) Each time I put another row of beads on I went through a

be sure to bring needle out in correct spot or your beading will be uneven.

previous row of beads and when I began or ended a thread I went through several rows of beads and the buried the thread in the center. When I completed the beading around I made a beaded loop for the hanger.

That’s how I spent last week-end and now my niece has an ornament for her philanthropic group Christmas ornament exchange.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have time to stitch today!
ttfn…sue