An Effective Fringe of Seeds and Steel Beads - A Flower Spray Wrought in Melon and Marrow Seeds - The Application of Gilding to Seed Embroidery Work - A Design in Spangles and Gilded Seed:

The fringe shown in the first illustration is formed of steel beads and hollyhock seeds, each strand being threaded separately. Thread ten or more small steel beads, and form a loop by passing the needle through the first taken up; then thread the seed and four beads alternately for the length of fringe desired, sew just within edge of cloth with a firm stitch, thread two beads, and pass to back of cloth, where fasten off thread with a secure but neat stitch. Work the next strand in the same way; or, if pre-ferred, alternate strands may commence with the threading of a seed, the loop of beads being omitted.

When threading the seeds for fringe, a little difficulty may be found in some instances in passing the needle quite true from end to end, and if this is not done the effect is spoiled.

No. 1. A fringe formed of hollyhock seeds and steel beads

No. 1. A fringe formed of hollyhock seeds and steel beads

Throw such seeds aside; they can be used in the embroidery, placing the damaged side next the cloth.

In the second example both melon and marrow seeds are utilised. For the flower, melon seeds are sewn in a semicircle, one of marrow being secured by cross-stitches over their base. Three melon seeds form little spikes below this main flower, another marrow seed holding all firmly in place. A dull strawberry - coloured silk is used to embroider the stems, and is also employed for the cross - stitches at the base of the single melon and marrow seeds. Pale mauve silks and tiny clear glass green beads fill in the spaces formed by the arrangement of the seeds in the flowers.

The whole effect is very rich, and is much enhanced as the colour of the seeds becomes deeper by exposure to the air.

No. 2. A combination of melon and marrow seeds that forms an effective flower spray

No. 2. A combination of melon and marrow seeds that forms an effective flower spray

A somewhat bizarre effect, that may be liked by some workers, can be obtained by gilding marrow or melon seeds, and in the specimen shown (No. 3) clear glass beads in emerald green and gold form the stems to the sprays. A dark grey cloth is an appropriate choice for the background, and the tabbed edge, worked in green silk button hole-stitch, completes the scheme of colour.

To gild the seeds, hold each in turn by the narrow end in small tweezers, and brush them over, one side at a time, with gold. That sold in a powder to be mixed with a liquid gives an excellent result, if the instructions given with the preparation are followed.

The seeds used in the embroidery need only have one side gilded, but those intended for the fringe must be gilded on both sides. If the gold seems inclined to rub off, it is a good plan to give a coat of clear varnish when the gilding is quite dry. The spangles with which the fringe is terminated can be treated in the same manner.

The whole charm of seed embroidery lies in the perfect blending of colours, and while the softest and most artistic effects can be secured, the worker who knows the value of striking and bold contrasts can be equally successful in her designs.

No. 3. Gilded marrow and melon seed. worked with green and gold glass beads, are quaint in their effect

No. 3. Gilded marrow and melon seed. worked with green and gold glass beads, are quaint in their effect