BEADED FLOWER

A step by step lesson from http://www.beadstudio.com/info.php?a=217! It is amazing that the wires and beads can be transformed into something so beautiful!



Sculpt this flower from beads & wire. Once made the uses are endless!
For wearable art you can create a brooch, a centerpiece for a necklace or
on a barrette. For the home, a napkin ring, a candle or a curtain. Let
your imagination go!







Materials:

- Four yds 28g craft
wire, cut in 1 yd pieces

- Assorted seed
beads (11/0, delicas, 3-cut, hex or charlottes)

Choose colors that blend well in a variety of finishes to give texture
to the flower.

- Twelve 4mm round
or firepolish
beads

- One 6mm
bead

Step 1 - Slide 3 seed beads onto a piece of 1 yd wire. Thread end of wire
back through 2 of the beads, pulling both ends to create a small loop of
beads in the center of the wire.






Step 2 – Add 3 more seed beads on one end of the wire and thread the
other end of wire through the seed beads in the opposite direction. Pull
gently being careful to work out any kinks in the wire as you see them
developing.


Step 3 –
Continue this process to build the petal. The pattern we used is 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 6, 5, 5, 4, 4, 3, 2. You can develop your own pattern through
experimenting with different combinations.









Step 4 – Add
one bead to each of the wires, then start building the next petal, using
the pattern in the reverse order. Try using a different color or type of
bead for each petal to add interest and texture to the flower.







Step 5 – To
end the petal, thread wire back through a few of the beads, twist around
once or twice and snip the ends.












Step 6 – Repeat Steps 1 through 5 to create 2 more sets of petals. You
will need three set to complete 1 flower.




Step 7 – Cut the last piece of wire into 4 equal pieces (approx. 9"
ea).





Step 8 –Thread one of the 4mm beads onto the wire and twist the wire to
anchor the bead in the center.




Step 9 – Separate the wires, add a bead to one wire and twist several
times. Continue until you have 4 beads on each wire. Repeat until you have
3 pieces finished.






Step 10 – With the one remaining wire slide the 6mm bead onto the wire
and fold in half and twist. Take all the wires and thread through the
center of the petals. Twist or braid and coil all the wires to anchor.




Source: http://www.beadstudio.com/info.php?a=217