The first time I tried net stitch it looked too open as well. Then I just played with it a bit and tried using different numbers of beads for each row. You can definitely tighten it up so that it doesn't look so loose.

[Michele1620]

Thanks for the nice comments!

Michele1620:Yep,  I  like bartering, so if you ever wanted to make me an offer...

onthinice:I'm trying to think of how I could explain the technique simply. I didn't learn it from here, but this page explains it fairly well: http://jewelrymaking.allinfoabout.com/features/netcab.html
I don't net it on both sides, though. I just start with a circle of beads that is slightly smaller than the stone I'm working with, and then I use net stitch to secure the back. And depending on the size of the piece you can vary the number of beads used in net stitch, as long as it is an odd number. If you try it and need more help, just send me a PM.

Michele105: thanks!

Here are some earrings I made recently. They have vintage glass stones and I made netted bezels to go around them. I had been making pieces like this using bead embroidery, but then the backs of the stones got covered up, and they look so much better when the light can shine through them. Let me know what you think of them!



And a close up:


And what they look like from the back:

Those are beautiful! I'll have to make some for myself now! My fingers always get cold when I'm knitting/crocheting/beading, and those will be perfect. Now maybe I can put off turning on the heat in my house a little bit longer...it's so expensive!

Sooooooooooooooooo cute!

How awesome!!! I want one!!!

That is too cute! I want one with a yorkie now!

I just added a quick tutorial in my blog on how to sew the beads on around the edge, if anyone's interested.

Very nice!  I can see why your mom wants one, too. I just started doing some ribbon embroidery myself and it's addictive. I like how it works up faster than regular embroidery.

Wow! That's awesome! And I loved that movie when I was younger.