EXPLORING 3D TEXTILES - SURFACE EMBELLISHMENT - BEADS AND SEQUINS

Surface Embellishment | Mixed Media

 

EXPLORING 3D TEXTILES - SURFACE EMBELLISHMENT - BEADS AND SEQUINS
 EXPLORING 3D TEXTILES –  SURFACE EMBELLISHMENT – BEADS AND SEQUINS

I use a wide range of beads and sequins to enhance my textiles. A flat design can become enriched with light, changing throughout the day, casting shadow to create depth within the surface contouring. In this article we will explore building a colour palette, the impact of delicate detail, threading techniques, building texture and depth, block colour and decorative detail to enhance a design.

BUILDING A COLOUR PALETTE – BEADS AND SEQUINS

The vagina in ‘Rainbow’ is created from panels of colour heavily embellished with beads and sequins, creating rich depths of colour and pattern within each panel. The large flower shaped sequins were chosen for their iridescent light, changing colour as light travels across, creating a rainbow effect. The difference in size, shape and 3D form creates diversity within the contouring.

Building a rich colour palette in surface embellishment - beads and sequins
Iridescent sequins create a rainbow of colour as light passes over the surface

A plain fabric can be enriched using just one colour palette to enhance and bring light to a flat surface. The background of ‘Vibrant Buddha Temple’ is encrusted with gold based sequins (yellow, bright gold, pale coppers and mid browns). The lively patterned temples are enhanced with light, their edges encrusted with silver mirrors, layered and overlapped to unite the void between padded structures.

Light reflective beads and sequins enrich a single colour palette
Light reflective sequins lift a flat background

DELICATE DETAIL – SEQUINS

Lengths of flesh toned sequins adorn the background layers in ‘Cancer 1: Lumpectomy’, establishing a colour palette of skin against the steel grey of the operating table. A blue running stitch (veins within the flesh) creates a delicate colour palette.

A string of sequins provides delicate detail to a monotone colour palette creating
Flesh coloured sequins with a blue vein thread

Clusters of sequins adorn the outer edge and inner core of the abstract body part in ‘Anal’. A colour palette of old pewter (created from a mix of silver, grey, blue, green, purple, gold and black sequins) provides a depth to the fragile abstract creation (a lace topped silk stocking).

Creating depth of colour with sequins in surface embellishment
Creating depth within a delicate colour palette

3D Textiles – THREADING BEADS

The technique of threading beads onto a length of thread (thick enough that it will not snap) is an effective method in applying mobility and depth to a contoured surface of embellishment. ‘Abstract Design E’ uses a long length of small glass beads, layered and overlapping, anchored with a stitch at both ends, leaving the lengths freely mobile.

Threading beads in a flat design creates depth and mobility
Threading beads creates layered depth

Long lengths of wooden and metallic beads are threaded onto wool and cord, anchored to the design at the top (stitched through to the back) and knotted at the bottom to create a mobile structure within the beard of ‘Jesus 1’.

3D Textiles - threading beads creates a mobile depth in surface embellishment
Threading wooden and metallic beads creates a mobile structure

TEXTURE AND DEPTH IN SURFACE EMBELLISHMENT – BEADS AND SEQUINS

Light reflective sequins and plastic beads nestle in the tangled threads of flower heads in ‘Abstract Flower Design E’, creating a contouring rich in texture and depth.

Building texture and depth within surface embellishment - beads and sequins
Clusters of beads and sequins create a rich texture and depth

BLOCK COLOUR – SEQUINS

Sequinned fabric is fabulous in creating blocks of light within a design. The beach huts in ‘Three Ages of Beach’ were created from recycled clothes. Individual sequins draw the eye upwards and beyond, a haze of light capturing the intense heat of our summers.

Sequinned fabric creates block colour and light in textile design
Creating blocks of light with sequinned fabric

DECORATIVE DETAIL IN SURFACE EMBELLISHMENT – BEADS AND SEQUINS

‘Autumn 2’ is a fine example where decorative detail captures the essence of a season laden with berries in a warm colour palette of brown and gold.  Panels are adorned in a range of plastic, glass, wooden and metallic beads and sequins, establishing light and depth within the contouring of the layered surface. Blue sequins hint at a weak light and short days.

Beads and sequins provide decorative detail in surface embellishment
Capturing the essence of the season in beads and sequins

I hope you have enjoyed EXPLORING 3D Textiles – SURFACE EMBELLISHMENT – BEADS AND SEQUINS .

For more examples of textiles rich in surface embellishment visit https://www.ccunningham-textileartist.com/ and https://ma9798.wixsite.com/ccunningham-woman by CHRISTINE CUNNINGHAM.

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