Monday 25 February 2013

Beaded Buttons

Once in a while it is good to try something new. I would never call myself a beader. I don't have the patience to really get to grips with the craft and I have a lot of trouble with keeping my thread under tension. There have been many a beading project where I've come to the end and discovered a bead dangling in the middle of my work. But at Textiles in Focus last week, Sarah from Bee Crafty asked me if I would like to try out her Beaded Button Corsage kit.... well... it would have been rude to refuse!
 
 
I picked out a green and purple kit from the several kits Sarah had prepared specially for the show. The first step was to cover the button and stitch on the beads which was easy following the excellent step by step instructions.

 
Next I had to gather up the beautiful shaded silk ribbon included with the kit (and decide whether to have green or purple on the outer edge.)

 
And then combine the two to make the corsage. At this point I have to confess that although I love the beaded button and think that the shaded ribbon is gorgeous I'm not that keen on them combined... but I'm aware that is just a case of personal taste. For me it feels a little bit too much like a rosette. But however you end up making up the kit, it is excellent value with very clear instructions and with plenty of beads left to make more than one button...

 
Which is a good thing because I love my beaded button.... so much so I've even made another one!

 
And today I've been trying out something else new... but that will have to wait for another post!

24 comments:

  1. Beautiful buttons, I must admit I prefer it without the ribbon too!

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  2. I love the button you've made with your own colourway, no offence to Sarah, but both are beautiful.

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  3. Gina, I know what you mean about the patience required for beading. Stringing varied pretty beads for long necklaces is one thing, but doing a precise stringing in a pattern is something totally different.

    I love your final photo with the pearly, jewelry circle. Classic and contemporary. xo

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  4. I think both are lovely. Just a gathered fabric might give a different look. Ribbon can be an awkward material to use. Beading looked pretty darn neat to me.I have not done any for ages.
    Xx

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  5. I am with you re beading, but I have to say I am tempted to cover a button, they are both stunning.

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  6. I have a stash of teeny tiny seed beads which I bought because they were so pretty, but I never know what to do with them. Perhaps I lack the required patience and accuracy. But they look good in their little jar too.

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  7. Having seen the buttons in the flesh
    I can vouch for the fact they are beautiful. Well done Gina.

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  8. I always appreciate the skill in a beaded project, but not for me at all. I'll occasionally stitch a few beads onto an embroidered piece of work, I'll leave beading to those more skilful than me!

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  9. They are both beautiful and very elegant.

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  10. the buttons are beautiful, especially the clear/pearly one. I do like them with the rosette, perhaps I'm quite mainstream!

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  11. I don't think I'd have the patience for this myself Gina but I admire the finished result, especially the pale one. Very stylish.

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  12. Ooooh, they're beautiful Gina! Do they take very long to make?

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  13. Beautiful!! I like the pearly one best. x Jo

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  14. Lovely! I like the colour simplicity of the second one best.

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  15. I've never done beading, it looks quite tricky but you've made wonderful results!xx

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  16. Not a beader? You look like a beader to me!

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  17. I love doing new things too Gina. You don't look like a beginner at this - very professional. Love the pearl one. I'm about to have ago at some bead knitting - watch this space lol

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  18. They are both gorgeous, and look very professional. I'm with you though, I prefer the button without the ribbon. Cheers

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  19. What stunning buttons. And gorgeous beads used on them as well. Hugs Elizabeth xx

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  20. Crikey, I had never thought of beading a button - whatever next? I like the pearl and silver one best.

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  21. I also like the pearl button best! And prefer both not as a corsage. I made some corsages for a craft fair once and a friend commented that they looked like "best in show" rosettes. Haven't made any since...

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