Today I have beads for you to drool over. A friend managed to get samples of the newest beads from Sundance Designs at the trade show this summer and sent me some.
Yesterday I laid my loot out on the dining room table and took a photograph so you could see some of the newest styles and packaging of their beads as well as relative sizes. On the right side are what is called Color Inspiration Collections. These are sets of beads (they appear to be size 11 although I did not open the packaging to compare the beads with those I know are size 11) in coordinated colors. This is perfect for folks who want a few beads for a project in several colors but don't want to buy full tubes from Sundance. The Chili Peppers set looks to be perfect for Christmas or for red and yellow flowers on a canvas, while the Shell set would have looked great on my Cameo Ornament if I hadn't already put silver beads on it. I think these will be a big hit since a selection of small amounts of beads in seven coordinating colors is something a lot of folks can use.
The left side shows tubes of beads arranged by size and turned so you can see the colors. Color Inspiration Collections aren't the extent of the new things at Sundance this year. They have a new bead style called drop beads. Drop beads are slightly oval beads with their hole up at the top, not at the center. I drew a shape next to the drop bead tubes so you could get an idea of what these beads are like. These are large beads, perfect for a 13 count canvas where you want a droplet shape in the background or to highlight something on the design. They would also make very pretty trim. (You know how I like to bead the edges of my ornaments!) The colors I was sent include very pretty white pearls, an iridescent reddish purple, a two-toned blue and green bead, and a tube of beads that vary in shade from turquoise to copper to gold, but all with copper undertones. I understand the pearl beads are new.
My selection includes two tubes of size 8 beads, one sparkling clear with silver lining and one of clear iridescent finish beads. These beads are highly faceted and shine like the dickens in light. These are perfect to scatter over the background of a 13 count canvas. They are pretty large, probably too large for solid beading, but for a few beads here and there to indicate dewdrops or rain, they would be lovely.
My single tube of size 11 beads (perfect for 18 count canvas holes) is a very pretty sea green. These beads are rounded, not faceted, and have a bit of depth to the color, probably because they are glass. Sundance offers not only a large range of bead colors and sizes, the styles of beads differ. You can get beads with their holes lined in silver or unlined, round beads, faceted beads, pearl beads, frosted beads, etc. Something for every canvas, in fact.
The last two tubes are size 14 beads. Size 14s (sometimes you'll see the size written 14/0) also work on 18 count canvas, particularly if you need a smaller bead to cluster or to solidly bead an area. One tube is silver in color and the other is pewter. These are new beads and non-tarnish. They are very pretty and dainty.
If you are curious about Sundance's beads, you can browse their website. They distribute needlepoint canvases and also have a great little booklet about stitching with beads. Just click on Catalogue and then choose the right drop down menu items to see what you are interested in.
http://www.sundancedesignsonline.com/
Meanwhile I'm going to go stare at the pretty beads some more!
Many thanks to Sundance for giving my friend extra samples for me to review here for you.
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow
