Bead Embroidery -- Awesome Artists

Qualities of Great Bead Embroidery 

What to Look For in Quality Bead Embroidery

• COLOR: A wise use of color that is suitable to the content of the project is one mark of an artist. A careful orchestration of hue, saturation, bead finishes, and, especially, contrast. Good use of color makes a work readable, even from across the room.
• ORIGINALITY: Good artists don't copy other people's work, because they have something of their own to say. Sometimes the work is about technique, or form, or an abstract concept. Sometimes the work tells a story, or represents something in the real world. And sure, artists are always influenced and inspired by others, but they integrate what they adopt from others until it's transformed into a unified vision of their own. This takes time and patience.
• TECHNIQUE: There's a wide range of bead embroidery techniques, from traditional applique work to crazy quilt and embroidery stitches adapted to beads. Advanced techniques, such as layering, mixing media, or combining off-loom stitches onto cloth, don't necessarily make a work of art -- a lot depends on skill and appropriateness. Simple techniques can be very effective in conveying an artistic message. Good bead artists are concerned about durability -- are the knots sturdy? Is the weight of the pieces sufficiently supported? Is the thread appropriate to the beads? And, one of my main concerns -- is the beaded surface smooth and secure?