Azurite Scarab Beetle Brooch Bead Embroidery Kit by Abris Art AD-084

Bead a jewel-bright scarab beetle brooch with Azurite, a bead embroidery kit by Abris Art. The design shows gold wing cases edged in turquoise and gold, a head and thorax studded with cobalt and aqua, and delicate legs and antennae, all on a deep navy base. Worked in 16 colours of Preciosa Czech glass beads, 602 beads in all.

A little stitcher's folklore: long before it was a brooch, the scarab was a charm. Ancient Egyptians carried scarab amulets for protection and renewal, because the beetle was the sign of Khepri, who rolled the sun into the sky each morning. Needleworkers say whatever you stitch and wear close to you, you carry with you — pin this one on and it's said to bring a fresh start and a little luck wherever you go. Even its name is borrowed from azurite, the deep-blue stone crystal lovers call the "stone of heaven."

Why this kit: it's the perfect small project when you want the joy of finishing something this week, and a gentle first step into bead embroidery if you've only ever done cross stitch. The finished beetle has the shimmer of a vintage jewelled brooch — except you made it yourself, which is exactly what people will ask about when you wear it. If you keep a stash of sequins and crystals, this is the project to show them off.

Kit includes: art canvas with the full-colour design printed on it, about 602 Preciosa Czech glass beads in 16 colours, beading needles, beading thread, and instructions with a finishing guide. A brooch pin and backing are not included, nor are the crystals and other decorations shown in the photos.

Each bead is sewn onto its colour-marked spot on the printed canvas. When the beadwork is done, follow the finishing guide to cut it out along the outline, then mount it as a brooch with a backing and pin of your choice.

Finished size: 4.4×7 cm (1.73×2.76 in). A distinctive handmade brooch for anyone who loves vintage insect jewellery, and a thoughtful good-luck gift for a friend starting something new — a new job, a new home, a new chapter.