Bead Embroidery for Robert's Box ~ detail

Here's a detail showing the first steps of my bead embroidery. I work improvisationally, without a plan or design in mind. I began by placing the pebbles collected the day before on a nearby beach on the fabric. I liked the way they appear to be "stepping stones," so I made beaded bezels to hold them in place. Next I added the multi-colored leaves, thinking about the trees on our property and how much we love all of the different types we have. Then came the ruffle along the top edge of the pebbles. And finally I added the heart.

Done