Red Roses 2008
2008 Bridal Gown:
By private commission.
Deep lush red 3 dimensional roses beaded in Czech crystals, Delica beads & Seed beads.
Motif designed by Karen Torrisi
Cherry Blossom 2007
2007: Fashion Sample
Cherry Blossom embroidery and beaded piece. Materials used in the embellishment were Czech crystals, swarovski crystals, Seed beads, Bugle Beads, Russia Braid, metallic thread and silk thread.
Embroidery designed by Karen Torrisi.
Pastel Sequins on Tuelle 2007
2007: Fashion Sample
Embroidered Tuelle piece using various sequin sizes and shapes, seed beads and flat backed crystals.
Embroidery designed by Karen Torrisi.
Fish Scale sequins on Net 2006
2007: Advertising, Garment
Sequins are lapped like fish scales in an organic formation for a body suit. Swarovski crystals are lightly encrusted to give the work shine and dimension.
Embroidery designed by Karen Torrisi.
Ornate Bridal Design 2007
2007: Bridal Bead Embroidery Sample
This symmetrically beaded bridal design was embroidered with metallic thread, wheat pearls, silver rhinestone crystals, clear crystals, bugle beads and seed beads.
Lion King Nala Costume 2003
2003: The Lion King Nala Costume.
Wooden, shell and glass seed beads were couched onto the base corset.
Karen Torrisi
Email: 
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I am Karen Torrisi, a professional Bead Embroiderer since 1994.
I specialize in French Hand Bead Embroidery, Tambour Beading, Gold Work Embroidery and Ribbon Embroidery. I am based in Sydney, New South Wales.
My commissioned work includes Olivia Newton John Opening Ceremony Dress at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, costumes for the films Moulin Rouge, Star Wars II & III, Superman 2006 and commissioned work for the theatre shows: Sunset Boulevard, Chicago, Show Boat, My Fair Lady, Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, The Lion King, The Producers & Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
I now bead exclusively for selected designers & costumiers.
Currently in addition to my commissioned work I enjoy teaching adults the art of bead embroidery both privately and at various associations. I love to create elegant beading projects for sale to both beginners & enthusiasts.
My bead embroidery projects feature in such magazines as Inspirations, Australian Country Craft, Embroidery & Cross Stitch & Beads Etc.
I have also authored the book "The Art of Making Hand Beaded Bags".
I currently exhibit and sell my bead embellished textile art at Planet Furniture in Surry Hills, NSW.
Seeing my ideas become a reality beneath my needle, by using interesting colours, materials & textures excites me. The fact that with beaded embroidery you begin with a clear palette and you finish with something that is sparkly, textured, alive and visually delicious.