First beading project

[BabsGrrrl]

Okay, so I've had this lovely belt base for several years and haven't been brave enough to try to do anything with it.

It's covered in black velvet right now, and has one lone edge with black sequins on it.

Are there good books out there on how to do the beading on something like this? Good resources for appliqués and the crystal jewels? I really don't want to end up making something schlocky looking - simple is okay, but not schlocky. Heh.

Thanks!

[urbana]

You should go tot he magazine rack at a good book store and look at all the beading magazines. Bead and Button is a good one. Also local bead shops might have back issues. I could tell you a few methods I use and basically if you look at a beaded bedlah you can see what was done and copy it technique wise.

With the velvet base you will not have to cover it in beads right?

The last advise I would give you is practise on something else first.
Or make your own appliqués and sew them on if you like them.

[katharyncnelson]

first-- I made my first costume...beading and all. I now happily shell out hundreds of dollars to not have to do that EVER again.

second-- sometimes I lose one of the honkin' big stones from my costumes. I have found a nice bead store that can and will order them in quantity for me, and anything else I want!!!

third-- I find appliques to look cheesey close up. is it for stage or a restaraunt venue? don't be cheap...you'll regret it. less is more...some fab stones, a little beading and some pre-made fringe (ask for it on the swap-page!!).

fourth-- I love the beading magazines...good call. get up on your technique before you bead your baby. sketch out a plan, too.

[mekyria]

I always like to check out ebay for beading close-ups. Especially pictures of Bella and Pharaonics costume are great to see in close up, to give you an idea how to make it look encrusted wth beads and sequins!

I've had the opportunity to have 6 bella's see up close and to my amazement I noticed that Bella uses appliqués too! Some of the typical swirls are made as an appliqué first, then positioned on the costume. Beading and beaded fringe is added later, so everything blends into one gorgeous design. If you don't know what kind of design you want yet, you could make several appliqué's (or shapes) and try different patterns on your belt base before deciding what you want.

[katharyncnelson]

I should clarify my earlier statement....appliques look cheesy when sewn on "as is" with nothing to blend them in, and most that you can buy at your neighborhood fabric store are fairly plain and flat.

I wish I had a fabulous costume designer and crew to make appliques for me...

[dancingrrrlz]

You can outline appliques with a row of beads to integrate them into the design a little more.