Having a bit of PPD here (post project depression) from finishing an article within the parameters of a deadline - which was further made stressful by my inability to learn a new electronic device quickly. i.e. my new digital camera. Anyway - this will be the subject of my article for Needlepoint Now magazine in the July/August issue - A New Look at Beads! I have loved using these small, sparkly/shiny things, and wanted to develop a way to use them outside Christmas ornaments. (and also give me an excuse to buy more.) This is an art nouveau tile of my own design - inspired by a book, of course, on the subject. The pattern itself is beaded "solid" with my simple method - which isn't beaded solid at all. The cream colored background has the beads spaced, and only for a bit of added interest. I am showing it in progress, as it is interesting to see how it is done and developed. I had been playing around with beads for several years when I got the bright idea of using beads on the weft while stitching my freehand plaid - one day when I was very tired of stitching little plaid things for my book. Voila! It actually looked beaded solid. Not as time consuming as one would think - and very very effective. I use only the Sundance Japanese seed beads (#14 for 18 mesh canvas, and #11 for 13 mesh), as they are the most consistent in size of any I have used - besides the fact that the colors and varieties of finishes seem endless. They range from glittery hexagonals to a soft, satin finish. I also enjoy using the #250 clear, as if I can't get exactly the color of the background threads, - (these are slightly irridescent, so give an extra bonus of surface) - I can simply apply them with floss the same color as the background threads - and the beads look the same color as the threads!! Great effect.