Christmas with Santa Balloon (Janet Zigler Casey)

Brenda is working on another Janet Zigler Casey Santa Claus.   This is called "Santa Balloon."

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2025/09/santa-balloon-2023-92625.html

Santa himself is stitched.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2025/10/santa-balloon-2023-updated-10625.html

And the beaded basket is made and attached.  Fun!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DQUdC-6EYeS/?img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The EZ Beader from The Collection

Lauren at BeStitched loves the EZ Beader from The Collection.   She shows it off on the shop's Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHCWIEoy6FI/

It's a wooden disk with a magnet on the back and a sticky beading mat on the front.  Park it on your canvas to have your beads easily at hand.

https://theneedleworks.com/shop/the-ez-beader-magnetic/

The Collection also makes a nice colorless beading thread.  As always, shop around.  Prices vary slightly on this item.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 11, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Beading Awl

I just noticed Ruth of Bedecked and Beadazzled sells something called a beading awl.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/beading-awl/

It appears to have a fine sharp tip.  Beaders use it to move beads around and to help with knots in beading thread.  The beading awl has a comfortable grip and is made from Tulip which is known for their fine needles.  Just FYI.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 9, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bobbin Tower

The Wool and The Floss has a customer who loves to bead and organize who highly recommends Clover's Stack 'n Store Bobbin Tower for storing spools of colored beading thread.

https://woolfloss.com/products/bobbin-tower?_pos=1&_sid=33091a123&_ss=r

Here is a slightly better photo.  The tower holds around 30 beading thread spools although I suspect it is intended for sewing machine bobbins.

https://www.officesupply.com/craft-supplies/sewing-quilting/notions/sewing-machine-notions/clover-stack-store-bobbin-tower-nancy-zieman/p415842.html?ref=pla&scid=scbplp415842&sc_intid=415842&msclkid=2880066f331418228eeb60ca32667db0&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SC%20Shopping%20-%20Everything%20Else%20-%20Broad&utm_term=4585100934733526&utm_content=Everything%20Else%20-%20Broad

Shop around.  Prices vary quite a bit and sometimes you can find different colors.

And for those who don't bead, here are the types of beading thread spools these are designed to hold.

https://i.etsystatic.com/13846188/r/il/b36ec7/2290752588/il_1588xN.2290752588_l4vk.jpg

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 27, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Attaching a Beaded Bezel to Your Needlepoint

Ruth Schmuff shows how to attach a crystal to your canvas using a beaded bezel.  At the end of the video you'll see her pink Christmas tree canvas with two crystal ornaments attached this way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk-kCgZuXPM&t=14s

I didn't know what a chaton was until I looked it up.  It is your traditional faceted crystal with a pointed back side--think a large rhinestone in the traditional diamond shape.  

https://www.potomacbeads.com/how-to/better-beader/better-beader-episode-127-what-is-the-difference-between-rivoli-chaton-flatback-crystals.html

You'll need Delica beads (they are Japanese beads shaped a bit like a barrel) and size 15 seed beads.  Here's the traditional Delica shape.

https://www.potomacbeads.com/seed-beads/delica-beads/miyuki-size-8-0/dbl0853-miyuki-delica-beads-matte-transparent-dark-topaz-ab-8-0.html

The One-G thread Ruth uses is a brand of Japanese beading thread made by Toho.  You can buy just one spool, but I thought this display of some of the available colors was pretty.

https://www.potomacbeads.com/wire-stringing/one-g-thread-assorted-colors-pack-of-12.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Clubhouse Demonstrates Various Styles of Beading

Needlepoint Clubhouse demonstrates various styles of beading in this video on their Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5ymzncr59-/

Don Lynch's basketweave beading will alternate the way the beads point.  Here's a diagram.  Note that to do a solid area in basketweave beading, work the rows up and down on the diagonal as if you are working regular basketweave.  You'll get the best results if you use size 14 or 15 beads that are faceted instead of round like a ball bearing.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 16, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Organizational Ideas from CHB

Carolyn Hedge Baird just posted two organizational ideas on her Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10225537384045497&set=a.1574898296402

For those without a Facebook page, one of Carolyn's students stores her beading thread spools in Bobbin Ring Savers which are meant to store sewing machine bobbins.  Carolyn says she then pops her bobbin saver in a sandwich bag for transport.

https://sewingmachine.com/products/bobbin-ring-saver-purple

Carolyn herself uses a pair of magnetic cable ties to hold her beading mat or a chart to her canvas.  You'll need two, one for each end of whatever you want to hold onto the canvas.  You'll need to have magnetic cable ties long enough to position your bead mat or whatever as far from the edge of your canvas as you normally want it.

https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Organizers-Whiteboard-Noticeboard-https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Organizers-Whiteboard-Noticeboard-Organization/dp/B091FFSH5L/ref=sr_1_4?crid=J24WGT6SYZ7O&keywords=magnetic+cable+ties+reusable&qid=1704120858&s=hi&sprefix=magnetic+cable+ties+reusable%2Ctools%2C123&sr=1-4

Shop around for both items as prices vary wildly.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 1, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Tip for A Beaded Ornament

Donna entirely beaded this cute Halloween ornament and suggests if you bead 100 percent of something, add two tent stitches rows around the edge.

http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2023/10/all-beads.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 23, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Need a Briefcase for Your Beads and Needles?

If you need a miniature briefcase to store your beads and needles, Textured Treasures has you covered.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=611767850965438&set=a.504243025051255

You can reach Karen of Textured Treasures through her Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/TexturedTreasuresStitch

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 19, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ruth's Beading Videos

Ruth Schmuff has created two new short videos on beading techniques for her current myster class--and she's made them public for the rest of us!  The first video is on beading straight rows.  Ruth calls this row beading.  She explains in detail what she does and gives you tips to successfully attach the beads.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT7zXTXkZOY

The second video covers how to do brick stitch beading, which is just brick stitches with a bead added.

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

In both techniques, keeping tension on your beads is crucial.  Thanks for the tips, Ruth!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 20, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Bead Over Padding

Kevin has posted a tutorial explaining how he padded and then beaded an Easter egg on his current canvas on the NP Nation Virtual Notebooks page on Facebook.  (This is a public group so anyone should be able to click on the link below and read all about Kevin's egg.)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/738255470388866/permalink/814139529467126/

Be sure you read the comments for clarification of several points.  Kevin doesn't say, but I always use a sharp needle (beading needle or crewel needle if it will go through the holes in the beads) to get through padding on a needlepoint canvas.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 24, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

More New Tools from Clover

The blog for the New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of ANG  mentions two new tools from Clover--

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2021/03/28/whats-happening-at-njna-3-28-21/

The first is a combination magnet/needle sharpener called the Sweet 'n Sharp Macaron.  Looks like it comes in raspberry or pistachio.

https://www.clover-usa.com/en/home/739-sweet-n-sharp-macaron-raspberry.html

https://www.clover-usa.com/en/home/740-sweet-n-sharp-macaron-pistachio.html

The second is a beading needle called the Swift Bead Quick Beading Needle.  It's three inches long with a huge flexible eye and apparently works with beads sized from 11 to 15.  It looks like a good tool for stringing beads for fringe or couching.  Each package has two needles.  Note the manufacturer says "pulling beads from the needle tip may damage the needle."

https://www.clover-usa.com/en/home/737-swift-bead-quick-beading-needle-.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 29, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Meredith's Beading Tips

Meredith Willet of M's Canvas House and The Meredith Collection has some beading tips, things she's found in her classes that make for better beading.
https://classes.mscanvashouse.com/pdf/quarantine/Quarantine_Lesson_8.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 25, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Use a Toothbrush to Thread a Needle

Now this is something you don't see every day—threading a needle using a toothbrush!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1512024105778157/permalink/2307211196259440/

This was posted on a beading site on Facebook so the thread is probably stiff beading thread. I don't know if this will work for floss but it's worth posting here in case you have to thread a needle one handed.  It might work!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 15, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Beading Three Sunflowers

Sue stitched three identical sunflower designs (using a Laura Perin chart) and decided to bead the centers of each differently.  And she's posted instructions here!
https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2019/07/05/the-tale-of-three-sunflower/

By the way, what I call messy beading is piling beads of all colors/shapes/sizes on top of beads, starting with loops and then just sticking in 1-2 beads where the loops didn't cover well.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 5, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Attach Beads with a Cross Stitch

Needlepoint.com has an introduction to beading on their website with recommended tools and a short video that shows how to attach beads with a cross stitch.  They also offer a cyber class on beading with more videos, in case you like learning through viewing.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/just-bead-it?mc_cid=92ea05db80&mc_eid=3a360cb48b 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 23, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

(Fill in The Blanks) Scares Me to Death

At various places online people tell me that doing _______ (fill in the blank) scares them silly.  Not to worry, my dears!  We have help for the frightened stitcher!

Is beading your bete noire?  Just wander over here and browse the online help for those facing beading their needlepoint canvases for the first time. (Or the millionth—we don't judge)
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/p/basketweave-beading-aka-don-beading.html

Is your bugbear needle felting with all the sharp needles?  Fear not, I have a tutorial with plenty of tips.  (Tip #1:  Don't poke yourself with the needle! Otherwise it is really easy.)
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/p/needle-felting-needlepoint-canvas.html

What else drives you to drink?  Post a message below in Comments if you have a Google account or email me at chilly hollow at hot mail dot com and I'll try to help.  Needlepoint should be fun, not frightening.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 16, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Beading Koma UPDATED

I've seen mention of something called a beading koma recently but I had never seen photos or a clear explanation of how beading komas are used in Japanese bead embroidery until this explanation.   Basically you string beads on your thread, then wind the length around the koma.  This allows you to unroll a section as you couch it down on your design.  Thanks, Margaret!
http://www.sharpneedler.com/2018/07/beading-koma-what-great-tool.html

Regular komas are used in Japanese embroidery to hold and control pairs of gold thread as they are couched. This is what they look like—
https://berlinembroidery.com/product/japanese-koma/

They are used in a pair, one for each of the pair of gold threads that you will be couching.
https://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2012/05/need-another-pair-of-hands.html

You can see a photo of two koma being used in gold embroidery on Mary Corbet's website.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2012/04/goldwork-embroidery-never-ending-but-so-worth-it.html

Obviously a beading koma is not used in quite this way.  It is shaped slightly differently and intended to be used when you have a long line of beads to couch on something.  You can purchase a beading koma from Mary Alice here.  Looks like you need to buy the hair elastic separately and add it to your wooden beading koma.  (UPDATE:  DD says she bought a beading coma from Mary Alice and the elastic band came with it.)  But they are easily available at drug stores and places like Target and Walmart, which enables you to find a fat one in just the color you prefer.
https://bluebonnetstudio.com/wood-products/beading-koma-various-woods

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 13, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Brenda's Favorite Beading Thread

Brenda uses fishing line as beading thread, and explains exactly what she uses and where to get it at a good price on her blog.  Don't miss the comments section where other folks chime in with their favorite beading thread.
https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2018/06/beading-thread-61818.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 18, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Create Beaded Fringe

Louise's Needlepoint's June newsletter has a nice tutorial with lots of photos on how to create beaded fringe on painted canvases. 
https://media.rainpos.com/530/june_2018_news_blast.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 9, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.