katdev, have you heard of diamond painting? It is a fairly new craft which involves many-faceted beads which are applied to all different kinds of patterns. The beads sparkle. The canvas the beads are applied to has the pattern on it, and is covered with a thin layer of adhesive. It resembles a cross-stitch pattern, except you use beads. You peel back the plastic covering the adhesive as you are applying the beads. Attached is one I just completed recently. Check out Amazon.com to take a look at the zillions of patterns they have.

This is a very large design at 27"x22" on 14 count and uses 80+ colors. Without beads considered, it can take an ambitious and experienced stitcher 1 to a few years to stitch a design this size depending on how much time someone has to put into stitching each day which speaks for itself. I am just mentioning initial considerations to take into account plus considering what its weight would be with beads. Even if it were possible to bead the entire design, I do not think or know for sure that there is a bead color for every DMC thread color which would pose a big problem to complete the design in this manner.

Susiebelle, we posted a few minutes apart, so I saw your post after I posted. I love the design you did and will have to check this out.

lbcatlovr, that design only beaded the butterfly itself. I am currently working on a 16x20" version of Van Gogh's "Starry Night" which is totally beaded. It's not as heavy as you would think.

Here is a close-up of the corner I'm working on. I was introduced to this craft at a cross-stitch retreat earlier this summer. I had never heard of it prior to that.

I have to agree with what catlover said as far as being new to cross stitching. This would be beautiful using beads which I have never done, however I would start with a much smaller project using DMC floss. Once you have gotten the cross stitching project down and feel confident then I would tackle a smaller beaded project and work your way up to this one. it will take a very long time to do this one in beads.

We are always happy to have new people here learning cross stitching. Come back often and let us know how you are doing. If you have questions many of us here on the cat room will be glad to help you. I have been doing cross stitching for over 30 years and I am still finding new things all the time.

Have a good day.

Yes I'm familiar with diamond painting. I have completed about 30 so far, all in large sizes (90cm x 1120cm). Since I'm retired and alone I have a lot of time. I did my research and came to the same conclusion that I would not be able to have all the DMC colors in Mill Hills. Do you sell it in Diamond Painting? If so, what would be the price? If not, do you sell the pattern where I could buy and place my own drills on a glued canvas. Does the pattern indicate each color with symbols like a diamond painting?


Thank-you for you fast reply

Kathleen

ECS does not sell diamond painting patterns, only cross-stitch. Cross-stitch patterns are similar to diamond painting patterns in that they use symbols to represent the colors. I don't know if Mill Hill has beads in every DMC color, nor would I be able to suggestion as to what size beads to use or what fabric to use, having never tried to convert an entire cross-stitch pattern to beads. I'm not an ECS employee, only a long-time cross-stitcher and new visitor to this chat room.

Susiebelle thanks for posting the pictures of your current Van Gogh beading. I am going to Michaels in a few hours to pick up DMC thread and saw that they carry this one (the Van Gogh) and one other that I'm considering. How long does it take to complete a picture. I have seen these in my cross stitch magazines but have never thought about doing one because I have so much cross stitch stash to work on. But seeing yours in progress has peaked my interest.

LOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOL OH! You were serious? I DO need a nap!

VCESS, I don't know who your comment was directed to, but is there a problem?

lbcatlovr, these go really fast. A weekend, a week, maybe. I use them as a break from stitching.