Friday, January 4, 2013

Adding a Stack of Beads

I just LOVE stacked beads; they make me smile. They look like little spiky animals to me. They are really easy to add to a quilt, and they make a big impact--people will notice them.

I added stacks to the little "puffs" on this quilt.


Maybe you can find the stacks a little easier in this next picture; I have them circled. (I'm not sure why, but my drawing program made the picture smaller and rotated it. I could not, for the life of me, figure out how to change that.)
To make a bead stack, bring the needle up where you'd like the stack to be. Add the beads comprising the stack making sure the top bead is large enough it can't be pulled through the hole in the bead beneath it. (There is no set number of beads you should use in a stack. It all depends on the size of the beads you are using and what you'd like your stack to look like.) Now, take the needle back down through all but the top bead and back into the fabric. Give the thread a little tug to tighten the tension and make the stack stand up.
Think about the different combination of beads you could use to make a stack. You don't just have to use seed beads; you can use bugle beads too. If you do decide to use bugle beads, remember to add one or more seed beads on either side of each bugle bead.

Now try making your own stacks. I really think you'll like them. Be sure to check back tomorrow when I'll be showing you how I couch threads to a quilt.

Now, for the giveaway...I contacted Lyric Kinard and asked her if she would like to donate a copy of her great beading DVD Bead It Like You Mean It (The Basics).
She said, "I'd be happy to give a copy away. I'll mail it straight to the winner (US only)." I say, "THANK YOU LYRIC!" You will LOVE this DVD. If you'd like a chance to win this DVD, leave a comment on this post. I'd also LOVE for you to become an "official" blog follower (if you're not already). All you have to do is click on "Join this site" under "Followers" on the right-hand side of this page. I'll be choosing a winner on January 26. Good luck and stay tuned for the next giveaway.
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21 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2013 at 7:27 AM

    This is another great idea of adding beadwork. Would definitely enjoy the book.
    Ann

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  2. DebJanuary 4, 2013 at 8:13 AM

    Wow, I've been doing a lot of thread play and never thought to add beads to the pieces. Great info!

    deb
    ladara at cfl dot rr dot com

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  3. elleJanuary 4, 2013 at 8:51 AM

    Not from the US but I guess I can still 'bead it like I mean it'! lol

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  4. WilJanuary 4, 2013 at 9:18 AM

    Love the idea of stacking beads. To be honest I never thought about doing that :-)

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  5. ClaireJanuary 4, 2013 at 12:49 PM

    I'm loving your beading series. I've done a little bit but never some of your techniques.

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  6. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2013 at 12:57 PM

    I love following how you are embellishing your piece, and I would LOVE to have a copy of Lyric's book!!

    disdocent@aol.com

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  7. Nancy BJanuary 4, 2013 at 2:50 PM

    I've done the stacking before, kind of they were really hanging, on the edges of a practice piece. Haven't tried it in the center if a piece.
    Nancy B.

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  8. JudyJanuary 4, 2013 at 2:55 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  9. JudyJanuary 4, 2013 at 2:58 PM

    I am already a follower! I'd love this DVD. I am just learning how to add beads to my quilts, and this would really help! Judy
    www.goldendogquilting.com

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  10. KittyAnnJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:13 PM

    I look forward to your blog posts, always informative! I love Lyric's work, have taken a class from her twice, she's been to my quilt guild too! She's a wonderful teacher, would love to add this book to my library. Best, Ani in NC

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  11. Sue AndrusJanuary 4, 2013 at 5:11 PM

    I am loving this series on beading! I need to give the stacks a try... I would also Love to have a chance to win Lyric's DVD :)

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  12. Beth MJanuary 4, 2013 at 6:29 PM

    I'd love a chance to win Lyric's book!

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  13. UnknownJanuary 4, 2013 at 7:09 PM

    How fun! I love beading on material. Thanks!
    Terry

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  14. bohemiannie! artJanuary 4, 2013 at 8:04 PM

    Well of course I want Lyric's DVD! I can use my sister's address! I love the way you're showing all your beading tricks. I've tried this one too...but it's been a long time so I forget. Your blog reminds me of and teaches me so much!

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  15. KAMJanuary 4, 2013 at 9:33 PM

    I faithfully follow your blog and would be ecstatic to win a copy of Lyric's DVD on beading.

    Kristin

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  16. Jo VandermeyJanuary 5, 2013 at 8:58 AM

    Oh I sew like to win this...sigh but I am Canadian...but I do have a US postal address. (Live near the border and that is how I get around high postal costs to Canada and things from places that won't ship to Canada or I send things to my sister and she brings it on her yearly visit to Canada or I pick it up on my yearly visit to the US)Sigh what a girl won't do to get her supplies!

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  17. tesuqueJanuary 7, 2013 at 10:09 PM

    Love DVDs for learning new things.

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  18. pink daisyJanuary 10, 2013 at 1:36 AM

    I'm not really into beading. Maybe if I win a Dvd it would insoire me.

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  19. elsJanuary 15, 2013 at 6:45 AM

    I am not from the US, but from a small island in the Caribbean. Since there are no handicraft shops here, I have to buy everything online. That is why I have a mail adress in Miami (US),
    I would love to win the DVD, since I often use beading as an embellisment on my quilts and hopefully I can learn new ways of using the beads.
    I am a follower of the :andthenwesetitonfire quild already for a while and I love all the new techniques.

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  20. working with lutradurJanuary 17, 2013 at 8:14 PM

    This information has been helpful with very informative content. Thanks for sharing the post.

    working with lutradur

    ReplyDelete
  21. craftirnJanuary 26, 2013 at 1:08 PM

    I would love to win this DVD. I love to bead, but it is trial and error. A DVD would be so welcome!

    ReplyDelete

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