Beading and Bodices - A few quick snaps

This weekend I'm diving into the first real bit of the Cicada gown, making the "dinner" or "reception" bodice (lower neckline, but still has sleeves)! I am still finishing up the mock-up for that in black cotton and muslin so I can determine exactly how I want to finish the silk version, but as a bit of a "break" (I don't know how to take those really heh) on Thursday after I finished the last video, I took several hours aside and hand beaded this cicada friend to pin onto the bodice later. 

The shape is cut out of felt, then beaded and sequined in all black for that mourning jet style shine, and then I attached it to another piece of felt with a layer of wired buckram in-between so it's more stable and a bit posable. I'm so happy with how it came out! Now I'm thinking I might need to make a few more to embellish the overskirt later? I may add some fantasy feather antenna too (cicada have tiny little antenna in reality). I found these huge vintage tassels on DuchessTrading (an excellent etsy shop) to hang in the drapes of the skirt, as I have seen a few fashion plates with such embellishment, but now I may want to add jet beaded cicada too!

I hope you are all well and healthy, staying safe out there ❤ I'll have more updates for you soon!