Nuts about Needlepoint » beading

Making Sense of Beads

Janet Perry — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:45:13 +0000

Originally posted 2010-01-26 07:40:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Even though I also work with beads for making jewelry and needlework accessories, I must admit that beads on canvas mostly baffle me. Seed beads are measured in sizes that tell you, roughly, how many beads are in an inch. It’s like canvas, the smaller the number, the bigger the bead. But then there are questions of shape and finish that make a huge difference in the finished look of your beading.

That’s why I’m so delighted with Jane’s post Sunday about beads. While she doesn’t cover every kind of bead finish out there, she does a wonderful and detailed analysis of the three candidates for her current project.

There are a few other finishes, I’d like to help decipher for you as well. You’ll see seed beads classified this way. They can be applied to any shape of bead, although I’ve mostly seen them on round and cylindrical beads.

Silver-lined beads are clear glass on the outside and the hole is lined with silver. This gives them an underlying metallic glow, while not looking metallic. They are one of my favorites to use in bead mixtures like the mustard box, pictured above, because they add a nice sparkle.

Frosted beads have a finish on them which gives them a matte, dusty look. While there are other kinds of opaque and matte beads, these are recognizable by the dusty frosted look.

Opalescent beads also have a coating on them, but this one gives a multi-colored “oil slick” coloring to the beads. I have seen this finish on both shiny and matte beads. I love it because it’s a texture you don’t find in many threads, so adding opalescent beads to your needlepoint is a great effect.

There is so much more to explore in the world of beads and needlepoint. One of the most inspiring things you can do is visit a local bead store and try out some of the wonderful things you see there.

Fantastic Video on Beading with Great Eye Candy

Janet Perry — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 13:47:55 +0000

Beadpoint is the technique of stitching a needlepoint canvas entirely in beads. There have been a few books on the technique (one reviewed here) but it can still be confusing to many stitchers. I found a simply fantastic video on YouTube on beadpoint. In it you’ll learn: which bead to use on which type of canvas what type of needle and thread to use what kinds of patterns to use how to stitch on beads (in a great animated sequence And there are lovely examples of canvas worked entirely in beadpoint. Done by a bead shop, this little video has more information clearly presented than just about anywhere. If you need to know about adding beads to a canvas or if you are thinking about stitching a canvas entirely in beads, you’ll love this video! Related posts: Tutorial & Tips on Beading on Canvas Beadpoint – Book Review Beaded Brick – A Different Sort of Needlepoint Beading Needle Nook of La Jolla Lauches Video Needlepoint Class Learn from Needlepoint Now’s Huge Video Collection Related posts:

Needlepoint Videos from Kreinik

Janet Perry — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:33:31 +0000

Originally posted 2009-07-13 06:43:12. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Like many other needlepointers, I love Kreinik threads and use them often. I have several drawers in my thread stash devoted to them and often they inspire a piece of needlework.

But now Kreinik has given us even more to teach and delight us. They have videos on YouTube covering a broad range of topics.

One of my favorite is Doug Kreinik’s explanation of how his parents started the company. It’s a delightful story.

Kreinik makes a broad range of metallic and non-metallic threads. This video serves as a great introduction to Kreinik threads. It took me ages to figure out how to use their unique spool locking mechanism, I kept pulling the tops off. This was not good as then I lost the color number. There is a short video about how to use them for clumsy folks like me. And there is one about how to thread a needle.

Moving beyond the threads, Suzanne Howren shows us a delightful way to embellish needlepoint by using beadlets and Kreinik Treasure Tape (there is also a video about using it) I’m going to be trying this soon.

When you’re ready to finish your needlepoint. you can use the Custom Corder to make twisted cord easily.

You can get a full list of their videos so you can explore other needlework techniques. More videos are being added regularly, so keep checking back!

Tutorial & Tips on Beading on Canvas

Janet Perry — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:26:23 +0000

With TNNA this weekend and thus tons of new things shown, Im reversing my usual habit. Today-Thursday will highlight great content from others. Friday-Monday will cover new products. Back to the usual schedule next week.

Beading on canvas is not one of my best things, but my friend Jane of Chilly Hollow is great at it. Recently she put on her blog a two-part tutorial on beading in needlepoint.

Not only does she tell you everything you need to know, she also includes lots of links to products and even more information.

In the first part, she takes you through the types of beads (including the right size to use), needles, thread, and tools for beading.

In the second part, she covers several different methods for attaching beads and has lots of links to tips and more tutorials.

Silk & Metal Evening Purse – Sneak Peek

Janet Perry — Tue, 03 May 2011 14:23:48 +0000

Originally posted 2007-07-30 05:54:25. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

On Friday I finished this Silk & Metal Purse, my newest stitch guide for Whimsy & grace.

It’s a celebration of textures stitches in two different silk threads (Splendor and Silk Serica), three metallics (Kreinik ribbon and braid and Rainbow Gallery Treasure Braid Petite), and pearl cotton. The small triangle at the top center is beaded and serves as an easy place to hold the bag.

The monochrome color scheme really brings out the texture of the threads and stitches.

If teal is not your favorite color, the purse is also available in two other color schemes, brown with copper and green with gold.

Look for it at a needlework shop near you.

Arts & Crafts Tree – Stitch Guide Sneak Peek

Janet Perry — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:06:19 +0000

Originally posted 2009-10-21 07:29:20. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

I’m hoping to be finished with the beading later today, but isn’t this piece, my latest stitch guide, great? I love the Art Deco-inspired blocky style and how there is so much design impact from three colors and simple stitches.

The canvas is by Elements Needlepoint and is available at your local shop from Dream House Ventures. The stitch guide will be available from them soon.

I also wanted to show you some of the detail on the piece, this is the bottom center and you can see all three elements. The tree is done in the Tent-Cross check, I posted about last week. Texture is difficult to obtain in black threads, but this technique gives piles of it. It’s stitched using Soy Luster.

The green and red is stitched using Baroque silk. Seeds beads are attached to make the berries.

As a special bonus, Dream House is offering a prize of two skeins of the green Baroque silk used in the piece. This thread is wonderful and the color is great for Halloween or other projects (it’s always reminds me of olives in martinis). Just leave a comment to this post before midnight, Pacific, on Friday, October 23, letting us know why you like silk or soy threads. US addresses only.

How to Use Thread Heaven

Janet Perry — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 14:27:42 +0000

The Needle Bug, a great shop in Montgomery, Alabama, posted great instructions on how to use Thread Heaven on their blog earlier this week. If you’re like me and using this little product is baffling check it out. There is also a link on the page to buy it. Related posts: Dyed and Gone to Heaven – Caron Collection Web Site Review Needles & Thread Tension Thread Candy Studio – Product Review Needlepoint Bookstore Thread Reviews & New Product Articles Coming! Related posts:

Sundance Boho Beads – Product Review

Janet Perry — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:33:27 +0000

Sundance has a wonderful new type of bead out that is super sparkly, with large holes and a unique look. Called Boho beads, I used them as holly berries on the game needlepoint mini sock.

Each bead is faceted and fire-polished which gives them great shine. This combination catches the light and reflects it back. Think about the difference between a polished and a cut amaethyst and you have an idea of how facets change things.

On needlepoint this makes for beads that are a wonderful focal point in needlepoint. Somewhat larger than seed beads, they are perfect for accents. Although I did use a beading needle, with these slightly larger holes, I found them easier to attach.

There are 25 colors, all but two transparent. These are a tremendous choice for accent beads in needlepoint.

Please note, these beads were furnished to me by Sundance for tesring and evaluation.

Beadpoint – Book Review

Janet Perry — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:24:01 +0000

Originally posted 2003-03-09 22:36:13. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Beadpoint: Beautiful Bead Stitching on Canvas, Anna Benson, Sterling Publications, 2002, $27.95, ISBN: 0-48725-08939

A couple of weeks ago I was at a shop which specializes in seed beads, Out on a Whim. As I looked at their wall of seed beads I kept thinking how cool it would be to do needlepoint using them. And as if God had just heard my prayers, the next day I found this brand new book on just that subject.

Beadpoint is a wonderful introduction to the idea of doing a piece of needlepoint entirely in beads. Benson is clearly aware of both the possibilities and restrictions of the medium. Her book has tons of pictures in the introductory chapters showing you exactly how to attach the beads (even what it looks like on the back), the color and luster choices in seed beads and even very clear explanations of the different types of beads.

She is aware of what works and what doesn’t for needlepoint with beads and gives you good advice. If you follow her suggestions for choices of beads, you will do successful project from the start.

She has also worked out, which is a huge help in trying this technique, which type of bead fits on which canvas. So if, for example, all you can find is No. 11 seed beads (the most common type), you will know to use 14 interlock canvas.

Beading on canvas was extremely popular in Victorian days, especially in conjunction with wool backgrounds, and one of the projects is similar in feel. But virtually all the projects have a bright contemporary style which makes them not your Grandmother’s
needlepoint. There are button covers, ornaments of various kinds (I love the vest the best), a wonderful beaded collar for a dress, mirror backs, box tops, and a lovely Japanese-inspired picture. The projects really give a clear picture of the possibilities.

Each project is accompanied by a clear photo of the finished project, a chart in color, and a material list which often has the colors of beads pictured so you can match your beads to the photos. Instructions are very complete and include information about finishing, which is important in such a new application of needlepoint.

In venturing into new territory for needlepoint, this is a great book, and in creating wonderful contemporary designs, Benson has done a marvelous job on all counts.

Now with those tapestry point beading needles, I’m ready to go!

Beaded Brick – A Different Sort of Needlepoint Beading

Janet Perry — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:17:11 +0000

Beaded Pumpkin from Needlepoint Study Hall

Are you looking for a way to get staggered beads, but with a more full look than beading every other Tent Stitch? Try using Brick Stitch and beading each stitch.

You can see this technique stitched on the pumpkin above, from a post on Needlepoint Study Hall. Beaded Brick is explained clearly and with large diagrams.

There are several things I find appealing about this stitch. I like the look where the beads are offset, but there is still some space, so they don’t look crowded. Another thing I love is that by using straight stitches, you don’t end up with the problems of slant you get when you bead with Tent Stitches. It’s such a clever idea, I want to try it soon.