Adventures in Beginner Bead Embroidery : Handmade Gifts

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Can't believe another one has come and gone already. But now that gifts have been given and opened, I can share a couple of gifts I made. 

One of my BFFs and I went to an Art Fair earlier this year and there was a fantastic booth with the most incredible bead embroidery. I immediately became fascinated with a new medium and wanted to try my hand at bead embroidery. It was instantly addicting. 

Bear in mind that these are beginner projects without any training beyond a few You Tube videos! But the recipients seem to like their gifts. I made a couple of beaded cuffs ( and since I wasn't sure how this was going to go , I didn't take pics along the way) using felt scraps as my base and random patterns that just kind of unfolded as I went along. I also incorporated some coordinating ribbon scraps from my stash. 

This was the first one I made using my Mom's favorite colors. I did actually draw somewhat of a pattern on the felt. Once the top of the cuff was done, I stitched  heavy jewelry wire to the back then finished the back with a piece of ultra suede.  You can find lots of tutorials on You Tube and Pinterest to get you started. 

For the Blue Cuff  the process was the same only I added even smaller seed beads which now I'm even more addicted to. I like the combination of different sizes and types of beads. 

I quickly discovered ( especially for the smallest beads) that this is my favorite bead needle. They look delicate but they are very strong and when working with curves etc. so much easier to use than a traditional straight needle. You can get these at bead stores or craft stores. I got mine at Michaels. 

I couldn't stop once I got started so I also made this pendant which I used as the focal for a necklace: 

Before I added the backing, I glued a bail to the heart and then used a combination of bright and antique gold chains ot make the necklace. 

And while not bead embroidered,  I made these earrings to go along with the Blue Cuff: