Valentine Cat for Future Beaded Purse

This week, I began working on a new custom order for my Etsy shop - my first bead embroidered purse! This will be a Victorian-style heart-shaped purse featuring a beaded cat & Scottie dog inspired by a vintage Valentine. ♥

After working on the purse design, I cut out many layers of Lacy's Stiff Stuff and stitched them altogether. Using 1mm & 2mm glass eyes, I stitched on their noses and eyes. For those who are wondering, I get these at GlassEyesOnline.com. I use the ones which are attached to a long wire. The wire must be cut & poked through the felt then stitched to the back.

Next, I used Japanese size 15/0 seed beads for the heart and the cat. Its not easy to stitch through all the layers of Lacy's Stiff Stuff, but after I completed the cat's head, it got easier. Once I completed the entire body, I then lazy stitched some tiny crystal 13/0 charlottes over top of the other seed beads to add a little sparkle. This cat is very small - only 3cm x 3cm. The dog is only slightly larger.. I will be beading him next! :O