Beadworkers Guild Challenge 2026 - A night at the Opera - part 3 - the finished project

For those of you landing on this page from elsewhere but part 2 (preceeded by part 1), maybe read these 2 articles first, unless the making of something is not of interest to you. 

I have to say that, when I started this project, or rather when I bought the round bag with the idea to cover it with beads, I had absolutely no idea what I was about to inflict upon myself. Bead embroidery may be very freeing and limitless in essence, but the amount of work it takes to cover it was beyond my notion. Now I know better. Last year's mask was a small project compared to this. 

I don't think that I will ever make something similar again. But I don't regret it. Not even the shoulder issue - that would have happened sooner or later with another project anyhow. I learned a lot, and things that I learn on my own ('the hard way') make me grow. 

I'm proud that I succeeded to make what I envisioned... so in the end, perhaps it is sometimes better to not know what we are getting ourselves into.

Now the only thing left to do is going to the Opera with my

"Lady of the Camellias" 

jewelbag & accessories:

The sweets

My sweets may look simple, but quite a bit of effort
 went into them. I used Tubular Peyote stitch,
Herringbone stitch, RAW and MRAW.

The opera glasses

After several design explorations, I opted for a very sober white
and red flower design. Something not ordinary, but also not
too busy. Just a reminder of who these glasses belong to...

The jewelry

The very dainty chain is made with some sort of
2-bead netting (like Russian spiral) with
Swarovski "Crystal Linen" teardrops
matching Marguerite's pale gown.

Back of the pendant

The finished bag

and more details.

I have to say that I love my cabochon bezel and the 
nestling of the pearls in the bugle "beadscape"
and the way the micro crystals sparkle.

This video shows how much the bag
sparkles when moved.

This is how I imagined it displayed at the Guild's annual meeting:

I hear you ask: 

why couldn't I send it to the Guild for the challenge? 

Because a bag that measures 14x14x18cm fits in the box, but when one adds fabric, beadwork and padding, it doesn't anymore. The rules are clear - the box should not exceed 16cm on one side.

In my head all the lights were green, and for some strange reason,
I didn't double check. I made this project as if in a dream where everything was ok.

And that's life. 

I don't regret a thing, because I am delighted with my beautiful bag.

My favorite side is the red and black side. 

Which side do you prefer?

Let me know in the comments. 

Cath ❤