I hope so because I need some help.  I have attached the outside backing and need to do an edge and am stuck on what and how.  I used no. 15's for the inside row and bezel and then used Delicas.  The thickness of the two layers of backing makes me think I shouldn't use Delicas for that.  I am using the book by Jamie Cloud Eakin and thought I understood--but now I don't.  She has several styles of edging in her book.  do you always do a "basic" edge (like on her page 20) and then do another optional edge?  What size beads do you use?  I think, too, I didn't think through the colors I would use.  I used a bronze for the things I've done but didn't realize I'd probably need a larger size as well--or some other color and size. 

Also, I'm wondering if all these edge stitches actually cover the sides well.  All the photos I see make things look great, though.

Kathy

Hi!  I've got Jamie's book as well and have become addicted to beading around cabs.  

Delicas - after some play, I really found that standard 11/0 seed beads word better than Delicas.  Delicas are really better suited for precise beadweaving.  The imperfectness of the 11/0's helps fill in areas around cabs and get a better "hug" on the cab, for lack of a better term.  The 15/0's also look better on top of the 11/0's, in my opinion.

I usually use standard 11/0's for the basic edge, as well.  I always do the basic and then add some sort of embellishment on top, depending on what I'm making.  If you're going to leave the basic edge, you might want to use some matching thread, since it will be very visible.

Also, I've been buying mixed cabs and quite a few of those have cabs with a higher edge.  For those, I use 8/0's for the first row and 11/0's for the top.

Again, most of this is just from the experiences I've had from doing the beaded cabs!  Good luck!  Heaven knows I've pulled out my fair share of stitches!

 

Jamama,

Thanks for your feedback.  That helps a lot!  I have been working with Delicas so much that even thinking of using something bigger seemed like too much.  So I need to change that thinking! 

These cabs make me a little nervous because you don't want to get into another row before you see a mistake.  My biggest challenge (right now) is cutting the first backing without cutting thread.  I am going to try the basic edge--And I like the pointed edge so maybe try that.  I didn't look ahead to plan for various sizes and color changes, but somehow it'll work out. 

When you say "mixed cabs" do you mean on one peice?  How far do you go on finishing the edge of those--when you are also beading on the backing and in between cabs?  I would think you don't do an edge but fill in with your freeform beading.

Kathy

You're quite welcome!

I've been ordering bags of mixed cabs from Fire Mountain Gems - just a mix of different sizes, types and shapes of cabochons.  It offered me an inexpensive way to try different shapes and sizes, plus it challenged me to use colors I might not have bought otherwise.  (something like http://www.firemountaingems.com/details.asp?PN=K094575CK)

As for finishing, when I'm just doing brooches, pendants and earrings, I trim the backing to the first row of beads, being careful not to cut any stitches.  Then, I glue on the leather, trim it even with the backing and then sew my basic edge on.  This ensures that I don't have any backing material showing after that first row.  However, I've done some collars and brooches where I did bead embroidery around the cabs.  With those, I beaded around the cabs, did my embroidery, filling in what I wanted embroidered and then trimmed the backing to the edge of the embroidery, glued on the backing, trimmed, and finished.  Does that make sense?
 

Jamie's book is super fab for edging and such. That's my recommendation, if you follow her edging techniques you really can't see where it's attached

Also, great cabs from http://gemcenterusa.com/ they've got a wholesale site too if you have a tax id. And of course e-bay if you're looking for something nice and unique.

Here's one I finished yesterday with her edging techniques, its only a basic single cab design, but it works to show the edging:

Jamie's book is what got me going and doing cabs!  She explains it so nicely!

I agree with the other post - using delicas would probably not be the way to go for the edging.  Personally, I use 11/0 and 15/0.  Doing that basic edge opens up your design to do EVERYTHING afterwards.

If you ever want to chat about beading around cabs - you can find me on Yahoo - rprincess73.

Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Happy Beading,

Heather

Hello Talkingbird!

This is probably waaaaay to late to help you and you've probably mastered all of this by now!! <G>

Looks like Jaime Cloud Eakin has inspired/infected lots of us with her book. <g>  Guess I've done over 20 cabochon bezels from the simple to over-the-top huge things with ridiculous fringe that I'm almost embarrased to wear!

To answer your question about edge treatments: The basic edge treatment on page 20 is the foundation for all the rest of those fancy-schmanzy treatments.  It gives you 'something' to use for a foundation when adding other edge goodies.  Right now don't worry about whether you chose the most perfect colors.....you're learning something new and the techniques are what you're trying to master.  Really read Chapter 2.  It covers lots of information and problem solving.  Depending on the depth of the edges (all cabs aren't as thin on the edges as others), you may need to use size 8 beads as your first course, then 11's and finally 15's on the innermost course.  This actually looks very good!  Seed beads are most user friendly especially when going around curves.

One of my beading buddies challenged me to learn to do bezels without glues or backing materials.....just peyote stitch and Delicas.  Both ways have their merits but Ms. Eakin's method opens the door to fabulous bead embroidery incorporating cabs.  All of the bead embroidery I've done uses the 'stiff stuff" and ultrasuede backing.

Good luck......it is definitely worth the suffering to learn to do this.

Quilter Sammy

Hi Kathy

 I have Jamie's book too, but haven't started this style of beading cabochons yet.  I hope you find the comments so far helpful.  I have just finshed making 5 fused glass cabs to make into a bracelet following Sherry Serafini's instructions in "Fab Cabs" in February's issue of B&B.  You might find some extra tips in the following books if you haven't already got/seen them.  I haven't got the first yet but it's on my Christmas list.  I've just received the second for my birthday, it's very interesting with a few open backed techniques as well as those using backing.  I've included the short reviews from Amazon for you as the URLs for both are horrendously long, please do check out the hyperlink for the second book - it's a very good book critique/review.

  "The Art of Bead Embroidery - Technique, Design & Inspiration
Heidi Kummli & Sherry Serafini

By	S. Elliott "bookmad" (uk) - See all my reviews

If your are interested in bead embroidery then i would highly recommend this new book. There is a page on each bead artist ( Heidi and Sherri) which is great as so often these beading books seem anonymous! It is full of beautiful pictures as well as techniques, step by step pictures and projects. It would make a lovely gift for someone. This is a book I won't be giving away and will refer to again and again! Also I didn't know that you can dye the Lacey's Stiff Stuff to suit your colour scheme, I found that a very handy tip!! It really is inspiring go on treat yourself! " from Amazon

"Bracelets, Buttons & Brooches: 20 Projects Using Innovative Beading Techniques (Paperback)

by Jane Davis

(2 customer reviews)