So you've introduced our classes to your children and they've given their blessings on behalf of themselves – deciding to take up hand embellishment online to see what the fuss is about. You've purchased their beading kits and they're mentally and physically prepared for this exciting new hobby they have no clue about or even understand what the terminology "embellishment" means. They've seen a few pictures of fancy beads and that was enough to sway them to give this one a go.
They've embellished scrap fabric after fabric, re-framing yet another fabric and following yet another line to practice on. Their excitement's beginning to cause some frustration as they're wanting to make 'something', anything other than embellishing onto another scrap fabric!
Now they've come to the end of the course, wondering "What can I actually make with these skills? Other than embellishing another hoop!"
This is where we decided to step in because embellishment is more than just learning techniques and embellishing yet another scrap fabric. It's about creative expression and design and we want our children to begin working and thinking like designers with an end product in mind.
Let's show you what kids can embellish onto with the humble needle & thread (and a variety of beads and sequins of course!)
Without further or do, let's check out our 10 things kids can embellish with hand embellishment:
NO 1. CUSHION COVERS
Cushion covers are by far my favourite things to embellish on because they don't require much cleaning. They're used for decorative purposes so ideally will last wear and tear because there is hardly any wear involved.
Embellishing onto cushion covers is also simpler and easier to do compared to other items on this list, as there's a larger surface you can frame your embroidery hoops onto. You can go bold and wild with your techniques and designs because cushion covers tend to be a decorative piece for a home, so let your children's minds run wild with this one!
NO 2. POUFFE
Embellishing a pouffe is something I visualised and couldn't find a picture of online. So I went on a design mission to create my very own embellished pouffe to show that it can be done! I used 3D floral embellishment techniques to make this design stand-out as I wanted it to be a statement piece.
Embellishing a pouffe is not easy, but there is a way. I used 1 of many methods that I've discovered over the years to suit the item I embellish. For a pouffe, I used an "appliqué" technique and attached the embellishment onto the pouffe separately. I used an upholstery/fabric glue to fix the embellishment design onto the pouffe. You can certainly take a lesson with me to find out how I made this one (get in touch).
NO 3. PURSE
I used to own a small business many years ago embellishing pre-made purses. This is definitely a project kids have enjoyed in my private lessons in London. The children loved making a product at the end of their class and they had something to cherish for years to come.
Because purses tend to come in leather/pleather, I recommend also using the "appliqué" method to attach your embellishment onto the surface of the purse separately. I have tacked this appliqué down using my beading needle because I find the thin needle glides into the leather/pleather much easier than a normal needle would. I didn't use glue to secure it permanently, but instead to help keep the appliqué in place when tacking it down.
NO 4. TABLE CLOTH/RUG/BED THROW
Urbanoutfitters.com
I will be starting a project of my own with this idea as I think embellishing onto rugs/table cloths/bed throws is original and unique. It's certainly one-of-a-kind as I haven't been able to find many examples online.
This is also an easier craft project for children because of the large surface of the fabric that you can frame your embroidery hoop onto with ease. Remember to avoid embellishing the spaces you'll be placing your cutlery and plates on, and perhaps use flat beads instead of 3D sequins for rugs so you don't hurt your feet. However, bed throws would be great to go bold with as it's usually used for decorative purposes and not for lying onto. Let your creative imagination run wild kids.
NO 5. BAG
Dior
Pinterest is full of images of embellished bags because a lot of designers have turned this idea into a trend recently. You can find designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior and many others who've adopted this style into their bag collections.
Embellishing a bag can be as tricky as embellishing a purse because of the same use of leather/pleather for its base, and it would also be difficulty to sew into small areas deep inside the bag. My top tip is to use the "appliqué" method and fix your appliqués with fabric/upholstery glue that's safe for children and strong to last for many years.
NO 6. TRAINERS/SHOES
Pinterest.com
Who would have thought that embellishing onto trainers or shoes would be possible? This image from Pinterest certainly shows us that this is achievable! Can you see how unique this looks?
We can see that they've also used the appliqué method here and used the same colour fine tulle/netting fabric base to embellish onto before sticking/sewing onto the shoe. Now depending on the shoe, it wouldn't be a good idea to sew onto unless you had enough space to get your hands inside, so again, I recommend investing in a safe, strong glue that's suitable for fabrics. Please remember to use glue in a well-ventilated space, preferably outside in the garden (don't forget to wear a face mask and have adult company).
NO 7. PENCIL CASE
Anthropologie.com
Children are always in need of a pencil case and what better way to make it personalised and unique to them then customising it with their hand embellishment skills.
Thankfully, the shape of a pencil case allows for easy sewing because of the ability to get into the case like this picture above. You will need to invest in small embroidery hoops that come in 8cm-10cm widths to frame these fabric pencil cases, or better yet, try the appliqué method to help you embellish pretty much any size on the market.
NO 8. PHONE CASE
Dolce & Gabbana
Embellished phone cases have become very popular amongst designers and people alike, with DIY channels showing us a variety of ways to customise our phones using gemstones.
Children, you're a pro embellisher now and you don't need gemstones to customise your phone cases anymore! You now have the ability to take it up a notch and showcase your professional skills onto your case for everyone to see.
Use the appliqué method to create your embellishment design onto tulle/netting of the same colour as your phone case, then cut around it delicately and use a strong, safe glue to attach it to the case (unfortunately there is NO way of sewing onto this product as its made of plastic).
NO 9. LAMPSHADE
Anthropologie.com
Embellishing a lampshade is another project I am keen to pursue as I haven't stumbled upon any on the internet so far. The closest I could get to an embellished lampshade is this embroidered piece by Anthrolopologie. Your children will be excited to know that they'll be one of the few people to try this project out!
Let children use the appliqué method but without attaching it with glue – they can certainly tack it down with their hands because of the large surface area. Unfortunately, because the lampshade has already been stiffened and stretched onto its frame, it can't be framed onto an embroidery hoop, so an appliqué method would suit this project perfectly.
NO 10. GLOVES
Erika Cavallina AW15
Embellished gloves! What a bold and fashionable idea!
Children can create beautiful works of art onto their gloves using the many embellishment techniques they have been taught on their 12-week program.
How do you embellish onto such a delicate and small surface area? This is one of the trickiest projects they'll probably embark on and will need abundant patience and some experience with other projects before delving into embellishing a glove.
My advice is to find a piece of stiff plastic that's larger than your glove and slot it inside to stretch the glove slightly, also protecting it from the bottom layer. Then use the appliqué method, glue it onto the surface of the glove – the plastic sandwiched in-between will protect the gloves from being glued together and the plastic won't stick to the glove either. If you don't have plastic, take a piece of card and wrap it with plastic sleeves.
EMBELLISHMENT PROJECTS FOR KIDS
And there you have it, a range of creative and crafty ideas your children will feel proud to produce using their hand embellishment skills they acquired in 12-weeks. Giving them project ideas will make the entire experience more exciting for children. Do you think your children can think of their own embellished project ideas to add to this list?
Have you stubbled across this page by chance? No sweat, you can find out about our online program which includes 12 pre-recored lessons in hand embellishment taking a child with no experience and turning them into "mini craftsman" by the end of the program. These 10 project ideas will inspire them to continue to use and practise their skills for many years to come.
Join our program here.
PS. Here's a couple of BONUS products your children can embellish!
11. Brooches
12. Key rings
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