Peckish

🤷 The OP clearly stated this is an art piece, not a quilt to be used on a bed, and as such will most likely be hung on a wall out of reach of small hands.

Kwiltr - I've never added beads or embellishments to a quilt, and usually when I see sparkly things on a finished quilt, they're Swarovski crystals that have been glued on with a special tool. Have you considered that? My thoughts on machine-sewing beads is that you could probably do it similar to sewing on a button, but depending on how large the bead holes are, it might actually be easier to sew them on by hand.