How to Make a Beaded Cabachon

You can enhance a cabochon with seed beads.

An uncomplicated beading stitch is used to add a beaded edge to a cabochon, which is a highly polished, rounded, unfaceted gem. Small seed-beads of two sizes are used to frame the cabochon and add interest and sparkle to the stone. Once the initial frame of beads has been attached, beaded fringe can be attached to the seed beads by the same method. The cabochon can be used as a necklace pendant or pin or be incorporated into a bracelet.

Things You'll Need

• Round cabochon
• Felt square
• Scissors
• White glue
• 30 round beads, size 11
• 30 round beads, size 8
• Beading thread
• Beading needle

Instructions

1. Place the cabochon on the felt sheet and trace around it with a pen. Cut out the felt circle 1/4 inch past the pen line. Glue the cabochon to the center of the felt circle.

2. Thread 36 inches of beading thread on the needle, and knot one end of the thread. Pull the needle up from the back of the felt near the cabochon edge.

3. Thread four size-11 seed beads on the needle and insert the needle in the felt to attach the beads. Bring the needle from the back to the front of the felt at the center of the attached beads and reinsert the needle through two beads.

4. Attach seed beads around the entire edge of the cabochon, staying as close to the cabochon as possible, by the same method.

5. Add a row of size 8 seed beads to the inner edge of the seed bead circle by the same method, attaching the smaller beads to the larger beads.

6. Knot the thread at the back of the felt and trim all excess felt with the scissors.

References

• "Beading with Cabochons"; Jamie Cloud Eakin;
• "Great Beaded Gifts"; Linda Gettings; 2007