Abstract: The present invention relates to the decoration of sheet materials and has particular reference to the application of decorative stones either alone or in combination with embroidery patterns to sheet materials.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the loading of stencils comprising a plurality of blind bores or holes each adapted to accommodate a decorative article. The stencil is loaded by providing a stack of articles over the stencil and then producing relative translational movement between the stack and the stencil to deposit an article in each hole. Each article is of asymmetric configuration having a generally planar base so that when an article is deposited in a hole base downwards, the article is contained in the hole and when deposited in any other configuration, movement of the stack thereover urges the article out of the hole to allow another article to enter.

Abstract: The invention relates to decorations for application to sheet materials and comprises a decorative article, a layer of heat activated adhesive applied to a first surface of the article and a carrier sheet adhering to a second surface of the article which carrier sheet is heat stable at the temperature of activation of said adhesive whereby on positioning of the article with its adhesive surface juxtaposed the sheet material the application of heat and pressure activates the adhesive to produce bonding of the article to the sheet material per se.