Description
This Flower Power bead pendant pattern was a design I created for a floral themed issue of Bead and Jewellery Magazine. I was working with beads from the Beadsmith Inspiration Squad. The finished pendant measures about 4″ (10cm) across.
Materials
For the Flower Power bead pendant, you will need the following:
- Kheops Par Puca
- Seed beads in sizes 11 and 8
- A connector frame (Beadsmith brand – available through Beadsmith stockists)
- Lacey’s Stiff Stuff (or similar)
- Leather bead backing (or similar)
- Your choice of beading thread
I don’t have all the bead embroidery supplies in stock, but if you are looking for the beads for this project, do check out my beading supplies.
Experience and Techniques
I personally think that bead embroidery is really accessible whatever your level of experience. However, this project is working with shaped seed beads. So, it needs real accuracy in the stitches. For this reason, I would suggest it’s not a project for a complete beginner. If you are looking to get started in bead embroidery, then this is a great project to try first.
I would also add that the frame connector that I used for the flower centre can be a little tricky to manage when you are new to the techniques.
The Flower Power bead pendant uses basic bead embroidery techniques: brick stitch and back stitch.
About the Flower Power bead pendant
Two things inspired me to create this design (aside from the flower theme!). I find bead embroidery takes a long time as it is painstaking to add tiny seed beads one at a time. So, I wondered what would happen if I tried to create a project using the slightly larger shaped seed beads.
In addition to that, I wanted to use the frames to create a sense of depth in the piece. So, your flesh will show through the Flower Power bead pendant as you wear it. This just gives an unusual effect.
You can colour your pendant in any way you wish. So, maybe try some contrasts as I did. Or perhaps you prefer to keep things more subtle and feminine with a softer palette. Either way, I hope you enjoy this project!
