Embroidered Book Cover - Sequins are not the go

I've done half of the outer border with the sequins, and some of the inner 'flower'.

I've decided that the sequins aren't working.

* The contrast, in black, is too much. It makes the rest look wishy washy.

* the 6 mm sequins are too big.

I'll undo it all, and find another border to use - or not use one beyond the lines of couched gold cord that I've already put on two edges.

Gold spangles would look a lot better.