Since finding this stitched canvas in an antique mall during my summer travels, many brainstorms developed as to what I could do to bring it up to date a little. The hard part (all basketweave) was completed by the hand of an anonymous kindred spirit, leaving me to think of a way to spiff it up a bit by adding a little sparkle and personality. To what level one takes the embellishment is, of course, a matter of personal taste. Trying my hand once again with beads I thought that would be a good place to start. To say I am not a skilled beader would be an understatement as I have no idea all the options, tools and procedures associated in today's beading world. The most I could figure out for the small flowers was to put several beads on the thread, lay it on the the flower shape and tack it down. This saved time and allowed an easy way to cover up some of the uneven edges of the petals. Camouflage is my friend! Along with the seed beads I used a little Crystal Braid in pink to brighten the flowers, yellow Floche was also used (mostly because I love the sheen it exhibits on the skein) and then #16 Kreinik braid couched with extra fine braid for the curly stems. I left the leaves alone even though IMHO they could have used something, I didn't want to change the integrity of the entire canvas. 
Also left the Spaniel alone for the most part only adding dog bone earbows. I did brush the pup's body with one of those funky looking tools made for the purpose of fluffing up fur. I was sooooo tempted to do something to her face, but decided not to get involved.
I have the materials for finishing this piece into the pillow myself; figured I'd gone this far futzing around with it I may as well go all the way. This has been a fun process and I encourage you to try your hand at this type of canvas embellishment. It's fun and a great way to celebrate your creativity.
Thank you for visiting today, as always the pleasure is totally mine!
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