Have you ever tried bead tapestry / weaving? You sew each seed bead in place working in rows, to build up a design.
I learnt to do it at a workshop about 13 years ago and made several pieces in the following year. This was the largest thing that I made
I created the design, inspired by Rennie Mackintosh art deco roses. From memory I made it over 2 summer months when the light was good and I was not at work. The light is important because of making sure you pick up the correct colour.
To begin with it feels very fiddly to get the needle into the small hole in each bead but after a while that becomes natural and I could thread them without looking (using ‘the force’!). Although it is small scale and fiddly I did find it relaxing as you are doing the same action over and over. The biggest problem is not spilling the dish with the beads (small white ceramic dishes designed for oil dips are best).
Amazing to think that some evening dresses in the 1920s were made like this – a whole dress must have taken so many hours to make.
Continuing to follow Sian’s sage suggestion to feature items we have made ‘back in the day’ and still have around.
10 comments:
I think that's amazing. I can remember when I was making my first evening dress, my Mum gave me a jet bag which had been made that way and the feel of it in my hands was lovely. I didn't realise it could be done at home though - you've introduced me to a whole new crafty interest
Very pretty. I've made many amulet bags in this same way - I love to do them, but haven't for quite some time now.
Wow!! Beautiful work, Helena. (I'm not sure my middle-aged vision is up to something like that, but I love seeing your results.)
Wow that is pretty amazing Helena! You're right about dresses - just imagine how much work must have gone into those... I haven't tried bead weaving, but I did try beading in cross stitch embroidery (and on my recent felt journals!).
I love the design you made - this bag is something to hang onto; an heirloom!
Gosh I am impressed Helena! I have done cross stitch which uses a similar technique but not as fiddly as adding beads. I love the design and admire your patience. Thank you for sharing, it is lovely to see this bag.
That's beautiful. I have a great weakness for CRM designs.
What a gorgeous bag! I love Mackintosh and still fondly remember a visit to his Willow Tea Room in Scotland.
Rinda
I am in awe of your talent and patience! The designs are lovely (I remember seeing his work in Glasgow) but the execution is amazing.
It's gorgeous! I've done beads on cross-stitch and know how hard that is.
I've done something similar - but a much smaller bag. My Grandma had a dress plus matching headband decorated this way.
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