Bead Journal Project 3: To encrust or not to encrust?

Thursday, December 31, 2009

To encrust or not to encrust?

I'm a first-time BJP-er and I love the look of encrusted pieces. However, from the few pieces I've done and from what others are saying, I'm just starting to realize the large amount of time this takes. I know I will fall behind if I try to do too much.

So here is my question -- what size do all of you recommend for actually finishing a heavily encrusted piece each month?

Barbara in South Jersey
Pinelands Patches and Beadscapes

6 comments:

Gerry Krueger said...: This is my first year and I chose 3 1/2 x 5 and thought that seems small but after doing the first one I am so grateful I didn't go any larger.

Gerry K.
http://olderrose.blocgspot.com; December 31, 2009 at 10:23 AM
flyingbeader said...: SMALL! If this is your first time working with Bead Embroidery then you should do no more than the size of an ATC card. Also using bigger size beads will help you cover more area.
dot; December 31, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Tracey Leeder said...: Last year was my first year of the BJP and I also love the look of the heavily encrusted pieces. I committed to a 4 1/2 X 5 1/2 piece and it was a struggle to get each one done. I think the ATC sized piece would be a great size to start out with.; January 1, 2010 at 9:38 AM
Kelly said...: I wouldn't go any bigger than a 4" square. That's the size I did last year and it was a struggle to finish a couple of them, tho I was able to do it. And, YES, using bigger beads does help to fill in spaces faster, so do sequins lol.; January 2, 2010 at 7:41 AM
Robin said...: So much depends on the time you have for this, Barbara! My friend, Lunnette, for her first year did beaded buttons, fully encrusted with a diameter of 1.25 inches. She's an art quilter and wanted to keep her quilts as her first priority. It worked beautifully for her. The second year, she did 8-inch hexagons and fell behind. This year she didn't join as she prefers to finish last year's BJP pieces (3 to go) and get back to more quilting. So there's one story for you... Let us know what you decide! Robin; January 2, 2010 at 12:25 PM
Magpie Sue said...: If you really want to do encrusted work smaller is better!; January 3, 2010 at 10:14 AM