Secret Garden: A Mystery by Mary Charles and Ruth Schmuff

The newest mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzles is Mary Charles' "Secret Garden."

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/10/ive-got-a-secret/

Ruth started by stitching the house and the wall around the property.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/05/garden-gates-open/

Now we have grass, the four stone balls on the wall pillars, the gate itself and the little roof over the door.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/08/bringing-the-garden-to-life/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 19, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Versions of iStitches

Ruth Schmuff's five volumes of the iStitches books have been rebuilt for the modern Apple device.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/06/the-stitches-you-love-rebuilt-for-today/

The app and stitches are the same (if you have the original iStitches volumes in digital form, don't worry--they still work just fine).  But the new and improved versions have new features such as Favorites and Folders, better navigation and search functions.  There is even a Master Index so you can find that favorite stitch in the volume where it is located.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Where_is_that_Stitch_VOL_One-Five.pdf

You can read more about the newest version of the iStitches volumes here.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/istitches/

If you aren't a fan of digital books or are Android only, don't worry.  You can buy any of the five regular Stitches volumes in a travel friendly size of 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-one-travel/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-two-travel/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-three-travel/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-four-travel/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-five-travel/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 12, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

"Friends,"Johanna Virtanen's Mystery Class

"Friends" by Johanna Virtanen is Bedecked and Beadazzled's Mystery class for Summer 2026. What do you think is going on between the cat and the bird?!  Ruth will gradually Reveal All and I'll update this mystery class as she does.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/04/these-two-are-up-to-something/

I'm stealing this background idea for sure!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/06/a-garden-full-of-posies/

Now there is a tulip and lots and lots of polka dots!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/07/tall-thin-polka-dotted/

There are more tulips now plus leaves.  It is really adorable.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/07/friends-and-a-whole-garden-of-tulips/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 13, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Color Dreams Naturals

Ruth Schmuff has great news for lovers of bamboo threads like Rainbow Gallery's Mandarin Floss-she has a new thread called Color Dreams Naturals, a blend of silk and bamboo.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/01/hair-hips-and-a-whole-lotta-fluff/

It isn't on the Bedecked and Beadazzled website yet, so I don't know if it is a floss or perle-type thread, but I'll update this as soon as it's widely available.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 17, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Garden Mafia Mystery (Lane Tree Lily)

Ruth Schmuff is planning her spring mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled.   It is a bird canvas, but not one of those sweet birdie things--she's doing a bold, colorful piece in primary colors from Lane Tree Lily called "The Garden Mafia" that shows those flying pigs as they really are--Those Who Must Be Obeyed (fed)!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/02/the-garden-mafia-has-arrived/

I'll update this as Ruth posts progress photos of the portrait of this gang.  Stay tuned....

First Ruth worked the border.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/04/disco-balls-bird-bosses/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 15, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Dots Upon Dots: Winter 2025 Mystery

Ruth Schmuff has announced her Winter 2025 Mystery class--Barbara Basso's "Dots Upon Dots." It 's whimsical and fun and as always, it'll be interesting to see what Ruth does with this design.  I don't usually post about upcoming classes but Ruth shows off her progress photos, making this something you'll want to keep an eye on.  You'll get plenty of good ideas for your canvases, especially if they have polka dots, cats or elegant ladies.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/11/whats-next-dots-upon-dots/

The first lesson of "Dots Upon Dots" has Ruth wearing dots and creating a dotty background.  Interestingly, she does one side of each dot row bottom up to the top, then does the other side top to bottom to complete the row.  She also added a border at the bottom of the design and gave the flowers stems.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/02/getting-our-dots-in-a-row-literally/

The second lesson has given Dottie a face, hair and most of an amazing dress.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/02/dottie-in-the-spotlight/

The third and last lesson gives the cat a face, body and stitches the flowers.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/03/and-then-there-was-the-cat/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 17, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Curing the Slump with Color Dreams Floche

I have a prescription for those after holiday blahs--a thread you haven't tried before!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/11/meet-your-new-thread-crush/

There are currently 47 colors, which you can browse here.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/threads/color-dreams/floche-color-dreams/

If you haven't used floche before, think a smooth perle cotton that glides through your canvas.  As Ruth says, it is perfect for backgrounds and blackwork patterns but it also makes for a wonderful flower or animal, given the (usually) subtle color changes.

Then there are Ruth's "Wild" and her "Wacky."  Got any clowns or witches that need hair on your canvas?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 4, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Thanksgiving Miracle

Here's all about Melita's miracle shipment of Evertites, courtesy of Ruth Schmuff at Bedecked and Beadazzled!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/11/26/evertites-fastest-delivery-ever/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 27, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Four Great Beading Tips from a Master

Ruth Schmuff of Bedecked and Beadazzled has posted four great beading tips on her blog.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/09/top-beading-tips/

If you are tempted by any of the products Ruth likes to use, you can use this link to her shop to buy unless your favorite shop already carries the item(s) you are interested in.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/accessories/beading-accessories/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 12, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Santa's Pup (Fall Mystery at Bedecked and Beadazzled)

Dog and Christmas lovers will swoon over the newest mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled--Margaret King's "Santa's Pup."

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/10/santas-got-a-new-helper/

As Ruth works her magic in her mystery class and posts updates, I'll add them to this so you can see all the fun in one place.  Merry Christmas, doggie!

Here is Ruth's first lesson.  The dog and the border are involved.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/11/a-pawsitively-festive-start/

The puppy has a magnificent bow!  And the background dots sparkle.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/12/happy-holidays-from-santas-pup/

The final touch is something I've never seen before.  That's what Ruth provides--the unexpected!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/01/santas-pup-finished/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 13, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Padding on the Front But Not the Back

This YouTube video shows you how to pad an area on the front of your canvas without adding bulk to the back side.  

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/08/all-stitched-and-ready-to-hop/

It's a neat (and easy) technique from Bedecked and Beadazzled's resident stitching genius--Ruth Schmuff.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 12, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing A Thousand Ways

Ok, maybe the links below don't have a thousand different ways to finish a needlepoint project, but EyeCandy shows off a lot of options for her geometric designs, from a box to what I think is a Kindle cover and more.

https://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2025/05/eyecandy-geometric-designs-in-fabulous.html

Ruth Schmuff shows off four framed versions of one of her mystery classes.  All four are framed but all are very different!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/05/framed-finish-with-flair/

There are endless ways to finish your needle art, so pick something that expresses your personality and showcases your style.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 8, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mystery for Fall 2025--"My New Skull"

Ruth Schmuff has announced the Fall 2025 mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled--Sharon Hendy-Moman's "My New Skull."

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/08/say-hello-to-my-new-skull/

The first class of the three that Ruth's planned is September 7.  I'll update this article as Ruth posts progress photos of the fun.

First lesson Ruth started with the face, the leaves in the background and did an interesting twist on the background itself.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/09/framed-in-foliage/

The second lesson is all about the buildings in the background.  Great ideas for other canvases with buildings here!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/10/buildings/

And she's finished by the third lesson, which dresses her in jewelry, a gown and flowers in her hair.  The skull is fancied up, too!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/10/my-new-skull-is-complete/

Here is Renee's version, finished and beautifully framed.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10242700477587319&set=pcb.25571286452521838

Here is Ruth's version, also lovely in her frame.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/05/she-cleaned-up-nicely/

Ruth has posted a video that shows a closeup of "My New Skull" and gives you a good idea of what is in the kit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38aiLGbDIoI

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow 

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 2, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hot Fix!

Ruth Schmuff of Bedecked and Beadazzled loves sparkle and bling, so she decided to add crystals to her Strictly Christmas brown rabbit.  Watch the video to see how much sparkle she achieved by adding what are called hot fix crystals to her design.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/06/the-bunny-glows-up/

If you are curious about hot fix crystals, here is what the gadget looks like.  The various tip sizes map to the diameter of the flat back crystals which have glue on the back side that the heat activates.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/crystal-applicator/

Here is Ruth's video showing how she attaches hot fix crystals to your canvas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9_4LyfGozM

I've used hot fix crystals.  I found putting the crystal down right where you want it, flat side on the canvas, and pushing the hot tip straight down on it works best.  Count to three and then push them out with a toothpick or a pin like Ruth used.  Sometimes you move them out of position by accident by not pushing straight down or lifting straight up, so be ready with a toothpick or pin to move it a bit before the hot glue dries.  Don't touch the crystal!  That glue is HOT!

They seem pretty sturdy although I don't have the original design I used on mine any more. (It was a designer model.)  I've only used them once as I'm not as sparkly as Ruth, but it's a fast and easy way to add crystals to your needlepoint, especially if it will be framed.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 7, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's Go Crazy with WireLace: The Movie

Ruth Schmuff has posted a tutorial on using WireLace on her Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ9xIrfM93z/

WireLace is available at the online bead shops and through Bedecked and Beadazzled (Ruth's store).  This jewelry site has all sorts of ideas how to use it.  (I might stuff beads or crystals inside or under it.) 

https://www.jewelrysupply.com/tips-on-using-wirelace

Note that it comes in lots of colors and several widths but you can stretch it out quite a bit, even the narrowest size.  

https://www.dreamtimecreations.com/category/2736/wirelace/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 23, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Easy Flower and Buds: The Movie

This quick video has Ruth Schmuff of Bedecked and Beadazzled demonstrating creating a flower with 7mm wide silk ribbon (that's the medium size ribbon from River Silks).  

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJZuBOlv6st/

Once Ruth creates the flower petals, she uses a Colonial knot for the bud, followed by a lazy daisy stitch on top to cover the Colonial knot which serves as padding for the bud.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 9, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Bezel a Chaton: The Movie

If the phrase "how to bezel a chaton" sounds Greek to you, not to worry--Ruth Schmuff has a little video that shows how to use beads to attach a flat backed smooth crystal to your canvas.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DI2oGRcPLnk/

This is the short version.  You can find longer versions on YouTube, such as this--

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXYJoTYB1Qc

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 26, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ruth Said It Best

Ruth summed up how I feel very well.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/06/it-was-an-honor/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 16, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bunny Love: The Summer 2025 Mystery

The Summer 2025 mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled is "Bunny Love" from Lane Tree and Lily.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/04/bunny-dog/

There will be two class sessions, one the end of July and the other the second week of August.  As always, I'll update this article with Ruth's progress photos.  Here's the first.  The bunny's face is starting to come alive, he has padded ears--and he has a bird friend!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/07/bunny-love-is-here/

This was a quick stitch, and a very cute one.  Check out the background and his sweet cheeks.  

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/08/all-stitched-and-ready-to-hop/

Now we have three examples of "Bunny Love" finished.  So cool!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/04/bunny-love-is-multiplying/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 16, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The "Tube" Leaf by Ruth Schmuff

I don't know what to call this besides a "tube" leaf, but it's a fun and easy way to create a slightly dimensional leaf on your needlepoint, demonstrated by Ruth Schmuff, genius-in-residence at Bedecked and Beadazzled.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFvgjE3u_bL/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 8, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.