The Beading Process

Before beading can begin, designs are sketched onto a parchment-like paper and outlined using pinning. During this technique, small holes are poked through the paper - either by hand or by machine. Next, the paper is placed over fabric, and a liquid chalk is applied using cotton yarn. The chalk seeps through the pinholes leaving a light outline of the design. Beads are applied on top of this chalked image by highly skilled artisans; this is an intricate process which takes deep concentration and mastery. Beadings take upwards of 3 days to complete.