Sketchbook Sunday 2

I unfortnately lost the original photos for this post due to some fun and games that I have been having this week with the internet and my poor laptop. So these may not be quite as good. This week I am showing how I took an idea from a 1970's embroidery book and developed into 2 tiny bags.

I really like the picture on the right which was in black and white. I then took part of that idea and transfered it into beading. At the time I was making a lot of beaded bags and purses which I am going to revive. I had lots of purple beads left over from amking a beaded reticule for a bride. So wanting to use the stash that was the colour scheme that I decided to use. Witht the beads in front effect would look like. So this sketch book page shows the how the embellishment idea evolved. Actually making the purse itself is another story another time which I will tell another time and credit it where due as it originally devloped from a kit I had. The beads were sewn on with transparent thread but also silk thread if the needle went through the bead.

Here is the result:

After making this one I got a bit carried away and spent much time making more as presents, particualarly 18th, 21st. The one below is one of my favourites and and has been hard to part with..so far anyway.

Then about a year ago my branch of the embroiderers guild were having a bag making day so I started this and finished it at home...

A lovely big glass bead and handmade cord has been made to create a fastening. I used machine and hand embroidery, beading couching on of unusual threads and varigated threads were stitched on before beening made up. This developed from the bags above. So even an idea found in a book that is in black and white can be created into something original and eye-catching. There is perhaps a better photo onmy flickr page if you want to pop over and see.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

XX