19. Woven Beaded Medallion & Feather Wall Hanging
What This Idea Means
Combining native-inspired bead weaving with soft organic textures, this wall hanging features a circular off-loom beaded medallion stitched with glass seed beads, centered with a polished turquoise stone, and finished with delicate wire-wrapped metallic feathers.
How to Make It
- Prepare Beading Foundation: Cut a circular piece of stiff bead embroidery foundation fabric (Lacy’s Stiff Stuff).
- Glue Center Stone: Glue a flat-backed turquoise cabochon to the center of the fabric using E6000.
- Bead Around Stone: Stitch concentric circles of glass seed beads around the stone using a fine beading needle and strong Nymo thread.
- Trim Foundation: Carefully trim excess foundation fabric close to the outer beaded edge without cutting thread stitches.
- Attach Feathers and Hanger: Attach wire-wrapped metallic leaf charms or natural dipped feathers to the bottom edge, and attach a beaded hanging loop to the top.
Tips & Variations
- Tip: Use a backstitch technique (stitching two beads at a time) to ensure bead rows stay straight and sit flat against the fabric.
- Variation: Use iridescent glass bugle beads to create radiating sunburst lines extending outward from the center stone.
What You Need
- Beading foundation fabric & Nymo beading thread
- Turquoise cabochon & glass seed beads
- Beading needles & micro detail scissors
- Wire-wrapped metallic leaf/feather charms
- E6000 craft glue