>Vintage Crystal Lights

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This week has been a busy week for me, so I haven't had a chance to get much beading done. But, I think I finally finished the details I wanted to add to my beaded White House. These details included beading the little chimneys on the roof, and adding outside lights to make the building look complete.

I used vintage crystals from my personal collection for the lights. These crystals actually came from a couple of old necklaces that were found in my grandmother's jewelry collection after she passed away. I guessed that the necklaces were from the 30's or 40's. The necklaces were mostly intact, but the clasp and threads that strung the beads were corroded and dirty, so I just took them apart. I really don't think they are Swarovski crystals, but they are definitely glass, and they look beautiful to me! So, I stitched them onto the White House at the tops of the columns. I also stitched some to the top of the chimneys! I used a total of 44 crystals!

Then, I cut out a piece of sturdy metal fabric and lined it with felt to cover the sharp edges. I will stitch this metal to the back of my beadwork. Similar to my DeLorean Time Machine design, this piece will support the oval room as it 'pops' out of the canvas.

Then, all I have to do is stitch the two pieces together!

Semi- beaded White House relief painting. 16" x 6".

Bead embroidery on felt. Work in progress.