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Every Bead Has a Story

Every Bead Has a Story ~
Mixed Media Bead Embroidery
by Cyndi Lavin

Of all the different forms of beading, mixed media bead embroidery is my very very favorite.  I love to mix "real" beads with found objects to create beaded pieces to wear or to decorate my home.  People ask me all the time about my favorite techniques, so I figured it was about time to start sharing them in some sort of organized form.

Chapter One of this e-book is FREE!  I've written it to share with you about my favorite materials, tools, stitches, and a beginner project.  The stitches and project all have step-by-step photos, so this e-book chapter will be helpful for people who have never tried bead embroidery before.  Future chapters will refer to the material covered here, so even folks who are familiar with bead embroidery may want to download it so you'll have the basics available when needed.

Chapter One: Bead Embroidery Stitches
Free!
To get your free copy of Chapter One, Bead Embroidery Stitches, simply click on the image above.  You can save a copy of the pdf file to your own computer to read anytime you'd like.




Chapter Two: Altered Surfaces
Price $3

Chapter Two, Altered Surfaces, focuses on many of the different ways you can alter the surface of fabrics that you want to use for your bead embroidery, allowing the fabrics themselves to become a part of your design story. No longer will you need to limit yourself to just ultra-suede, buckram, or heavyweight interfacing! Here you'll learn how to use different fabrics and add texture, images, and lots of color...all with step-by-step instructions, of course. The price for this 72 page chapter is only $3. 

I've also covered several more stitches that I know you'll find helpful, including an alternative edging technique, an easy way to bezel cabochons, and a bead weaving technique adapted for embroidery. Oh, and you'll also find instructions for making the perfect wrapped loop...such an important element for finishing off your work when you want to make a bead embroidered necklace.  And of course there are two new projects to help you use the techniques!


Chapter Three: Dimensional Beading
Price $3
Chapter Three, Dimensional Beading, is 93 pages long and covers more stitches and techniques to take your bead embroidery from flat to fluffy: stacked stitches that turn into clusters, barnacles, and ruffles; seed beads that become small flowers and spiral elements; bezels and bails and more!  There are two step-by-step embroidery projects included that will put those techniques to excellent use.


Chapter Four: Found Objects and Unusual Materials
Price $3
Chapter Four, Found Objects and Unusual Materials, will show you ways to tell your stories better than ever before with your bead embroidery.  Wired elements, resin, buttons, hardware, liquid polymer clay, silicone, and wool roving are some of the techniques that are covered in this 83 page chapter.  There are three step-by-step projects included that will help you get started integrating the texture and drama of mixed media objects into your bead embroidery right away. 

  


Chapter Five: Fibers, Fabrics, and Beads
Price $3
And finally, Chapter Five, Fibers, Fabrics, and Beads, will challenge you to integrate all the fiber arts that you already love with your bead embroidery.  You'll explore cross-stitch with beads, adding shisha mirrors to your beadwork, beaded wire crochet, using ribbons, cords, and lace, needle felting, traditional thread embroidery, and more.  In this 75 page chapter, there are nine new techniques and four brand new projects.




Cyndi Lavin's new e-book dishes out detailed information on beginning bead stitching served up with a generous helping of beautiful pictures that will guide the reader through every step necessary to master each stitch.  The gallery designs and accompanying project are positively inspired and Ms. Lavin's considerable expertise and friendly voice make you feel as if you too can master this medium. 
   ~ Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter


This is the first of what I know we all hope will be many more e-books showcasing her amazing gift of beaded embroidery.
  ~TammyPowley, The Crafty Princess


I have always coveted these sorts of beaded collars, but had no idea until now where to begin and how to improvise. Cyndi explains to you how to do both.
  ~Jean Yates, Pretty Kitty Dog Moon Jewelry


I had a chance to read through the book and love how she wrote the instructions. It feels like she is right there talking you through it.
  ~Lisa Crone. A Bead a Day 




Comments

Wildcard said…
So how do we buy the ebook?
Cyndi L said…
The links to each chapter are in the post...they are all available separately because some people are not interested in all the topics. At this LINK you will find all of my e-books. Don't forget to download the free chapter!