Sakura by Margaret Lee

Anyone who has ever beaded before is probably aware of the superiority of Japanese glass beads. Consistently sized, perfectly shaped and beautifully finished, Japanese beads are the beads of choice for couturiers and amateur beaders alike.

But surprisingly, bead making techniques as well as the fine art of Japanese bead embroidery were only perfected in the middle to late 19th century, in particular during the Meiji period which ran from 1868 to 1912.

Margaret Lee is world-renowned for her skills in both traditional Japanese and Chinese silk embroidery.

But she is also an expert in Japanese beadwork which aligns perfectly with her other specialties.

Margaret’s knowledge and abilities are complemented by the perfection of the glass beads produced in Japan. She brings everything together to create stunning works of beaded art, one of which is the beaded purse ‘Sakura’ from Inspirations issue #105.

To achieve the sparkling, tactile effect of this project you’ll journey into the amazing world of traditional Japanese beading techniques. Note how each bead nestles perfectly against its neighbour and each curved and straight line sits absolutely true.

No matter how often you reach into this purse for change, your beads will remain absolutely in place without shifting or unravelling like many substandard beaded objects can do.

This is because Japanese beadwork, just like Japanese bead production, is very precise. The technique uses two needles – one for laying or attaching the beads and the other for couching lines of beads into place. This ensures that each bead is securely placed where it needs to be when it needs to be.

This is one of the several unique techniques you’ll discover when you take on this exquisite project. By the end, Line of Held Thread technique, Scatter Effect and the Needle-Koma method among others will all be familiar and you’re sure to be wanting more.

There is no better teacher or designer in the world than Margaret Lee to introduce you to the joys of Japanese beadwork.

As you read her wonderfully detailed instructions, you’ll hear her calm, experienced and patient voice in your mind guiding you through the project.

You’ll also discover the pleasure of handling the superb materials and beads required for the project. And you’ll revel in the remarks you receive every time you use this exceptional purse. It is simply too beautiful not to take out each day.

And best of all, you can be so confident in the technique and design that this will be an accessory which will last you for years to come.

Make Your Own Sakura

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Sakura by Margaret Lee is a delightful beaded purse featuring a cherry blossom.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Sakura includes everything you need to re-create this sparkling coin purse: Fabric (with printed design), purse frame, lining, interlining, wadding, threads, beads and needles.

Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the magazine/digital pattern.

Stitch & Learn with Margaret

If you love the project ‘Sakura’ then don’t miss the opportunity to join Margaret at Beating Around the Bush in October this year as she teaches you first-hand how to re-create this stunning design.

Her wealth of knowledge and easy-going teaching style is the perfect way to introduce yourself to these wonderful techniques, or for the more accomplished, continue your journey of mastery.

Choose from three different projects across one day, two day or three-day classes, come for a day or stay for the week, but whatever you do, register today to avoid disappointment!