Think of this hoop as creating a piece of jewelry, but for your wall. The pearls add shine and dimension, while the little skull beads bring out a macabre playfulness that makes the mask unforgettable.

Beginners will appreciate that this design uses only one basic beading stitch: thread up, through the bead, and back down.

You’ll learn quickly that alternating bead sizes keeps the texture interesting and helps the shape stand out clearly. Even if you’ve never tried bead embroidery before, the dramatic contrast between white beads and black velvet ensures your project looks striking, no matter your skill level.

Materials Needed

• 1 embroidery hoop (8"-10")
• Black cotton or velvet fabric (cut 3" larger than the hoop)
• 80-100 white pearl beads (sizes 4-8 mm)
• 20-30 miniature skull beads (0.5-1 cm)
• 50 clear seed beads
• Beading needle (size 10-12) and nylon thread
• Chalk pencil
• Fabric scissors
• Optional: felt or fabric backing

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Stretch your black fabric tightly inside the hoop to remove wrinkles. This will be the background, so smoothness is key.

Step 2: Lightly draw the outline of the skull mask shape with a chalk pencil. Keep it simple; you can adjust with beads later.

Step 3: Start sewing pearl beads along the outline, using larger ones to mark the main edges.

Step 4: Begin filling in the interior, alternating pearl beads with skull beads. You can use seed beads to close small spaces and add texture.

Step 5: Once the mask is full, tie off your thread securely at the back and trim loose ends. Optionally, cover the back with felt for a polished look.