Bead quilled jewelry

by Kathy King

Author Kathy King has developed a variation the decorative paper craft of quilling to create unique designs in beadwork. In bead quilling—instead of thin strips of paper—thin strips of beads, made with square stitch, are wrapped to form circles, scrolls, and squares. The holes of the beads, rather than the sides, are exposed, to become part of the distinctive design. The author works with simple and complex combinations of quilled beads to create a variety of jewelry designs. She also incorporates crystals, pearls, and decorative threads into the pieces to add interest and texture.