Harbinger of Darkness Raven Brooch Bead Embroidery Kit by Abris Art AD-240

Bead Harbinger of Darkness, a beaded brooch kit by Abris Art — a black raven in profile with blue and steel-grey highlights, bugle-bead flight feathers and a flowing tail of real black feathers. Worked with about 507 Preciosa Ornela Czech glass beads in 18 colours, plus microbeads, glass stones, sequins and bullion wire.

A little stitcher's folklore: ravens are the wise birds of legend — Odin's ravens flew the world each day to bring back knowledge, and legend says the kingdom stays safe as long as ravens remain at the Tower of London. Stitchers say a raven brooch lends its wearer wisdom and protection.

Why this kit: if you love gothic, statement accessories, this raven is dramatic and utterly unique — the real feathers move as you do. A rewarding project for beaders with some experience, and a memorable gift.

Kit includes: art canvas with the full-colour design printed on it, about 507 Preciosa Czech glass beads in 18 colours, Preciosa No. 13 microbeads in 3 colours, a microbead embroidery needle, decorative glass stones and accents (rondelles, bicones, bugle beads, drops, leaf stones and sequins), 8 cm of gold bullion wire, decorative feathers on a ribbon, beading thread, a decorative brooch clasp, and step-by-step illustrated instructions for the embroidery and finishing.

Each bead is sewn onto its colour-marked spot on the printed canvas. Then add the glass stones, cut the piece out along the outline and assemble it with the decorative clasp from the kit, following the illustrated instructions.

Finished size: 6.2×8 cm (2.44×3.15 in). A statement brooch for a coat, hat or bag.