Personally I am not much of an embellishment type chick – but after watching Tom Russell’s show on TQS (1101) I am rethinking my position regarding this matter. His show knocked my socks off and has prompted a visit to my local bead shop. To subtly bead or not to bead? That is my question for you!

oh, by all means bead and don’t be shy about it….i love it…
Absolutely! I love beading my quilts! It just adds another layer of sparkle and life to a project. The only problem is it’s addicting and you’ll find yourself looking for bead shops everywhere…lol.
The quilt is amazing already but beading will certainly add a new dynamic! Go for it!
I think beads would bring out the beautity of the quilt. The more the merry.
Bead it! I like it already, but beading, elaborate or simple, will certainly add pizzazz.
Beads would be a cool way to and visual depth – like, just in the squares, and using tiny translucent pearly beads that match the square element colors, using all the colors in each square.
I meant add, not and! Using all the colors in each would harmonize those gorgeously disparate colors.
I agree, adding beads would enhance the quilt!
I think that would be good. Step out of your comfort zone.
Go ahead darlin’, BLING it to death…. u will luv it!
Bead it, Bead it, Bead it!
I would never bead any quilt!
i think this is the perfect quilt to add beads!!! bold colored in the squares and clear sparkly to make swirls in the background. they look like they are blowing in the wind to me.
Yes!!! And some square sequins too to echo the shape.
Bead it! I put beads on a small quilt this weekend as a result of Tom Russell’s inspiration and while I normally like simplicity it made a beautiful difference!
I say bead it. Different colors and shapes! This would be a great quilt to do it on. Just do it and have fun! I’d love to see what it looks like when it’s done!
I see beads in your life!
I say bead it clear iridescent beads. Adds a sparkle but does not detract from the over all design. Isn’t that true of quilting the surface too? Enhance not overwhelm.
I think you will find “blinging” will add a whole new dimension to your quilting!! It is a rate occasion when I DON’T embellish a quilt and my all time favorite way is with the Swarovski Hot Fix crystals….
I don’t know–I don’t see this one with beads. I like beads but this one doesn’t need them.
I’d add some glitz with tiny,same color Rhine-stones that are heat-applied. Just a few, here and there to add some dimension and a little sparkle!
I love beads! I would bead it, and since you are hesitant just remember…if you use sewn on beads they are easily removed if you don’t like them.
The simplicity of the design would handle embellishments well. My only advice – the point when you ask “Is this too much?” – it probably is. Will you let us know what you decide – and if you bead, can we see it when you’re done?
Audition different bead effects but don’t sew them down. Take pictures, compare, decide and use the pictures as a pattern reference.
I’ve added beads, objects, silk flowers, silk ribbon embroidery….crystals.
I don’t see this piece needing beads. However, since you are so hot to jump into the bead thing, I think you are going to do so anyway!
Yes, by all means, add some beads!
Bead it! You seem to be going down different paths and you have not been wrong yet. Everything you do is beautiful…go ahead and bead it.
If it’s a wall hanging, I would bead it, if it is for baby to snuggle with, I wouldn’t. I’d be worried he’d swallow a bead. But either way, I think it’s really cute.
Well, Alex, I think this quilt looks like it is just begging for some beads and you’ll never know if you like it until you give it a try. Let us see it when it’s done?
Come on Alex … I think you left blank color squares just so you would have to be challenged to add a “little something!” Auditoning is essential and gives you a chance to play a little longer.
Yes, Yes…this would be the perfect quilt to bead…but do lots…more is always better!!
Bead it; just bead it!
I think this would be the perfect quilt to embellish with some bling~~~they would make this rather blah contemporary design zing!!!
Loved Tom’s show and then Thom Atkins…we all should bead. Nice talking to you Saturday.
I think beading and maybe couching a thin thread/cord around the squares (or some of them) would be a good addition to this quilt.
I really enjoy your work on the show! and I learn a lot too.
Yes, do add beads. Can you give the web site for Tom Russell? Thank you. Jean from Canada
Beads add soooo much to a fiber project. As an artist/designer who has a background in both fiber arts and beadwork, I find that many people think beading has to be hard, etc. Given the right kind of threads, needles and beads, everybody can have fun (and success!!) I work and design with wool felt/felted wool and beading makes a huge difference in the end product! Bead It!
How big is this quilt and what will it be used for? Makes a difference.
Nice contemporary design.
I too so loved the show. I made a small quilt top and went out and purchased beads to go with it. The problem is I don’t know where to start or if it needs a specific design or just go for it. Still on the side of the water – can’t seem to jump in???
If it is not a utilitarian quilt, yes bead it up. Beading adds so much sparkle. Make sure you buy beads with big enough openings so it will not be a frustrating time.
Bead it!! Bead it! (sung to Michael Jackson’s song, Beat it!) You’re so creative, just do it!! The more the better!! Love embelishments!
Bead it. Bead it. Bead it. The more the merrier. What a lovely thing bling is.