What Are You Stitching?

Who doesn’t love beads? We’re like magpies, drawn to shiny, sparkly things and beads are some of the shiniest, sparkliest things of all. Beadwork is intricate and sometimes challenging, but the results of it are just gorgeous. Here are some stunning beaded projects from our readers for you to enjoy, and perhaps they might even encourage you to give this wonderful technique a try.

‘I love Inspirations magazine and look forward to it arriving in the post here in the UK, especially during lockdown. However, I have only had my stash to hand so adapted the pattern for Sakura by Margaret Lee from issue #105 to suit. I loved doing the beading on this project.’

What a gorgeous variation on a very popular project, Daphne. Your colour choice is magnificent. Isn’t it amazing what you can achieve when you’ve only got your stash to hand?

‘When COVID-19 came along and lockdowns followed I turned to beading to lose myself in a peaceful silence. Margaret Lee’s Sakura purse caught my eye, so I started on my first beading adventure. It was an adventure I thoroughly enjoyed. I am now almost finished with the second purse and have a line-up of sisters and daughters who would like to have one as well.

It sounds like you’ve got something of a production line going, Margaret! It’s no wonder – you’ve done such a good job on this first purse, we’re not at all surprised that everyone who has seen it wants one of their own.

‘Here are photographs of my latest bead embroideries that I have designed from photographs.’

Marie, who is from France, sent us a stunning array of photos of her beautiful and innovative bead embroidery. These works are so creative, Marie, and your colour schemes and bead choices are exceptional. Thank you so much for sharing them with us.

Do you enjoy stitching with beads? Are you partial to a bit of bling, finding yourself unable to view a project as ‘finished’ until you’ve added a few beads here and there? Or do you shy away from beads, frustrated with how they seem to fly out of the packet and all over the floor without you even going near them! 

Whether you love bead embroidery or not, we’d love to see your work. Send us some pictures of your embroidery with a bit of information about the project and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com