"Beyond The Blue" ~ Two Bead Embroidered Pendants

Here are my latest bead embroidered projects ~

Two blue pendants:

As with all of my bead embroidered jewelry, all of the beads are hand-sewn one at a time (if the beads are very tiny size 15, then two at a time), then they are sewn back through again for stability and security.  Not only does this help the beads to line up well, but it keeps them safely secured to the foundation.  

After the question I get almost every time: "How long did it take you to make this?" 
the question I hear lately is:
"Are the beads glued on?"  
No, the beads are all sewn on by hand, with a needle and thread, and no, they are not placed on the foundation already strung.  The art of bead embroidery will appeal to those who (1) love beads, and (2) enjoy sewing.  If that's you, I encourage you to try bead embroidery!   And if jewelry is not your thing, there are examples on the Internet (try: www.Pinterest.com) of bead embroidery done on quilts, purses, clothes, and other household goods.  You are limited only by your imagination.

The round 8 mm. lapis lazuli beads team up with blue glass pearls and 3 mm. sodalite beads, as well as cut glass crystals in sapphire blue, multi-faceted light blue beads (which appear cream-colored in this photo, but are a very light blue color), and various glass seed beads in shades of blue.

 Below is a closer view of the pendant itself.  Click for a larger image.

The toggle closure is made entirely of seed beads for continuity, and to keep the pendant and necklace from being limited to either silver or gold metal findings.

The top cabochon is an agate with blues and creams in a gently swirling pattern, and the bottom cabochon is a deep blue color (although the light is reflecting off of it in this photo).

This bead embroidery was sewn onto Nicole's BeadBacking (NBB) in the Royal Blue color, which was a perfect backdrop for the two focal cabochons.

For more information about this outstanding backing by Nicole Campanella, please visit: 

http://www.beadwright.com

The back of the pendant (not shown) is finished off in a dark blue UltraSuede.

I'm enjoying the process of making these bead embroidered pendants.  They work up quickly, and while the bead selection must be limited, they make nice little gifts.  The one pictured below features a Blue Crazy Lace Agate which is oval, and a smaller round glass stone above it.  These two stones are surrounded by two cut crystals on the side, Japanese glass seed beads bezeling the stones, and in the edging, and crystal bicones.  The back is finished off in a soft blue UltraSuede.