counted beadwork

I got a little counted beadwork kit for Christmas.  It is from Ann's Orchard Needlework and is, perhaps not surprisingly, a picture of a bunny.

It is basically half cross stitch, but you slide a bead onto the thread with every stitch.  The rabbit and flowers are size 11/0 seed beads, the background is tapestry wool, also done as half cross stitch.  I think that's called tent stitch.

It took just a couple of hours, but I quite enjoyed it.  I think I have a book of counted beadwork that I picked up in a charity shop, I should perhaps dig it out as I certainly don't have a shortage of seed beads!

Beaded Robin

I had a little kit for a cross stitch which came with a 3" plastic hoop for framing.  I didn't much like the project so had a quick look in my books for a different design.  I found one in Picture It in Counted Beadwork.  This little fella is made from size 11 seed beads.  The book said to use Mill Hill beads but I had Mikiyaji and they seemed to work just fine.  I've never done counted beadwork before, but it was simple.  I used 14 count Aida to go with the size 11 beads and it was simply a case of doing a half cross and threading on a bead.

Yes, I know, that hoop is not plastic, it's felt.  I didn't like this design in the hoop, not sure why.  Rooting through my drawers (of the chest-of-variety, I don't keep craft supplies in my (UK) pants) I found this felt frame that must have been free with a magazine.

Mr Penguin looks quite happy to be in it.  I did a running stitch round the circle and then blanket stitched round the edge.  It took forever.  Well, about an hour.

I wasn't watching my stitches on the back, but I think they blend in well enough.

Sick of Christmas decorations yet?  Tough...