Here’s a word you may never have thought of using before:

Coleopterology

Coleopterology is a branch of entomology that specifically focuses on beetles, who belong to the order coleoptera, the largest order of insects.

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is just another reason why needlework is such a wonderous and magical pursuit, because you just never know where it will take you! Let us explain…

Betty Beetle is her name. A glamorous, sometimes sassy, but always elegant beetle adorned in glistening attire bathed in shades of copper, grass green and opal metallic.

She radiates confidence, knows what she wants and has a style that is a perfect blend of classic yet modern.

Betty is equally as comfortable accompanying you on a big night out keeping watch pinned to your lapel or pocket, as she is staying at home decorating your nightstand.

Betty Beetle appears in all her three-dimensional glory in Inspirations magazine issue #124 and is the latest addition to an extraordinary collection of beetles created by the talented Australian designer Tania Cohen.

Worked over felt padding, the head, thorax and abdomen are finished with a variety of unique techniques in soft browns with the stunning elytra stitched with a combination of metal threads and glass beads, while her elegantly reflexed antennae provide a flawless finishing touch.

Measuring 4cm x 3.8cm wide (1 ⅝" x 1 ½") Betty is slightly smaller than her brother Balthazar the Christmas Beetle from Inspirations magazine issue #116 and slightly larger than her cousin Bertie from issue #120.

Which brings us back to coleopterology.

Who knew that part of the brief to make the world more beautiful one stitch at a time would also mean a lesson in beetle anatomy?

So next time your friends ask you what you’ve been up to lately, you can let them know that you’ve taken up coleopterology and if they are really, really nice to you, they might end up with their own Betty Beetle as well.

Make Your Own Betty Beetle

We have all the materials you need to re-create this project yourself, from easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions to a Ready-to-Stitch kit with everything sourced for you.