Custom Beaded Clydesdale Horse Pin

Dear friends, I would like to share with you the progress of my latest custom order. This is a new animal pin for me, one of which has been on my list for awhile now.. A beaded horse - in this case a majestic Anheuser-Busch bred Clydesdale horse:) This animal is much larger than the usual dogs & cats that I create, so the size of the pin must be larger as well, otherwise the details will be lost. So, I worked on a drawing based on the photo below and resized it to about 3" x 3".. This is usually a good size for a large brooch.

Next, I created a paper template which I used to cut out several layers of felt. The first layer is a stiff beading foundation, and the top layers or shapes were cut from felt. I can use any felt that I have on hand, either acrylic or wool. I stitched the layers of felt to the stiff stuff to create my overall foundation.

Next, I began by stitching a special 2mm glass eye onto the horse's face, then I began beading. I always start with the animal's face and work from there. In this case, I worked on the face, then legs as I outlined the horse's body with Japanese size 15 seed beads.

Following those lines, I continued doing bead embroidery by simply filling in the rest of the legs and body. I used several different colors of seed beads to achieve the shading I wanted. Once the first layer of beadwork was complete, I began the second layer. I added tiny beaded fringe on the horse's mane and legs. I also added some more lines to accentuate the animal's features. Lastly, I stitched many long beaded fringes for the tail. I sort of stitched these together at the top so they sit right, but that was easier said than done.

This piece required a bit more time and patience than usual, but I think the results are worth the effort. I am really proud of how this piece turned out! What do you think? If you are an equestrian and are interested in a custom beaded horse pin or framed mini pet portrait, please use the Contact form above or message me through Etsy! I appreciate your interest in my beadwork! :)