Exotic Elegance is an exquisite example of Japanese Bead Embroidery designed by Ms. Reiko Matsukawa of the Japanese Embroidery Center found in Georgia.  It was designed to be a pillow on white polyester fabric.  Mary Alice chose to change the foundation fabric to a cream colored 100% silk Bridal Satin and make it into a framed piece.  The design utilizes raised techniques to emphasize the four symmetrical arabesque motifs. The beads span from traditional Glass Seed beads and 24 kt Gold Lined and Gold Plated Seed Beads with a wide variety of Tri-Cuts, which catch the light and add sparkle.  The subtle color changes found in the different quadrants add to the beauty of this overall design and the blending of bead colors were challenging and left to the stitcher’s creative discretion.  Mary Alice enjoyed stitching this piece on a Traditional Japanese Embroidery frame and watching it grow from the center outward.