Beaded Flowers
When I told my in-laws-to-be that I didn't want flowers at my wedding, they kind of scoffed at me. 'But you have to have flowers at your wedding!'
So I folded in my own way. I agreed to have flowers for myself and the bridesmaids, and possibly as centerpieces, but only if I made them myself. No killing plants and spending butt-tons of money for something that would look pretty for a few hours then ultimately wither away. So I'm making this beaded floral bouquet. Here's how: Materials needed:. 26 gauge wire.
Seed beads or bugle beads. Wire cutters or scissors. Needle-nose or round-tipped pliers. Pipe cleaners.
Beaded Flowers Free Patterns
Floral tape Instructions: To make petals about 1 1/2 inches long, start by cutting about 20 inches of wire. Keep in mind, it is better to err on the side of too much wire than not enough, so if you're guestimating, go longer.
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Use the pliers to make a small loop in one end of the wire. It needs to be tight enough so that beads cannot get around the loop.
String on ten beads. This is your base, and these beads will be the very center of your petal.
Make a bend in the wire at about the 2' mark (beyond the beads) and twist the wire to make a small loop. This is your base loop and will be the inside point of your petal (where it will join the other petals). There should be about an inch of space between the last bead and the loop you just created. Now begin stringing beads. You will string beads about halfway up the wire. There's not an exact number of beads to string, as each time you create a petal it will be slightly different. Not to worry, you can always add more beads or remove extra ones.
Once you have strung all the beads you think you need, loosely wrap a loop in the other end of the wire. Keep it loose, as it will need to be untied later and tying it too tightly can cause kinks that are difficult to maneuver beads around. Hold the wire so that the base beads are at the base loop. Take the long piece of wire parallel to the base wire and line up the strung beads until they are even with the base beads. Wrap the long wire just over the top of the base beads so that you now have two rows of beads side-by-side. Continue down the other side of the base wire, this time wrapping around the base loop.
Continue going up one side and down the other until you have nine rows (up and down 4x). You should at the base loop side of the petal. Then wrap the long wire tightly several times around the base loop. Use the wire cutters or scissors to trim the wire at the end of the petal where you made your initial loop, then fold the shortened tip under the petal. It should not be easily visible. Make the desired number of petals (typically four, five, or eight, but whatever makes you happy!). Put their base loops together and grab the excess wire near the base with your pliers and twist tightly to hold the petals together.
Adjust the petals to be positioned in a way that is appealing to you. Next, choose how you want to make your pistil (the center of your flower). I typically choose one larger bead in either a complimentary or contrasting color and use an excess piece of wire to attach it to the rest of the flower. Just string the chosen bead to the center of the wire, twist once under the center of the bead, then string both ends of the wire through the center of the petals and twist to join the wires underneath.
You may also choose to string several sead beads to form loops and attach them in a similar way to the single larger bead. For the stem, take a standard pipe cleaner, fold it in half, and twist it around itself tightly. Then wrap the long wires from the petals around the pipe cleaner. Begin wrapping floral tape at the base of the petals.
Wrap it tightly wround itself two to three times before moving further down the stem. Floral tape tends to stick only to itself, so be sure to wrap at an angle that allows overlap. Also, floral tape becomes stickier if stretched slightly, so hold it tight while wrapping. Once you get to the bottom, double up and rewrap the entire stem.
Now you have a beaded flower! Get creative and try different colors, sizes, and patterns. Related Post I based my flowers off of this tutorial, but, that tutorial requires tools that I don't have - a special machine that cut out the. The same method can be used to create rose buds. You just start with two smaller petals (bases of four to six beads), and make two to three petals at a time slightly larger than the ones before. Wrap each layer around the previous layer and fold the tips either in towards the center (closed bud) or slightly outward, as if the bud is opening. Bugle beads can also be used in place of seed beads, and have a much different visual effect.
You can also alternate rows of colors to create different looks. What is with people wanting real flowers at weddings?
My husband and I made gobs of paper flowers and they look great and are still beautiful! It seemed that both my mother and mother-in-law were miffed that we weren't doing live flowers.
I used to make these beaded flowers and it is a great idea for wedding bouquets! I have a book laying around that gives even more ideas and the technique is French Beaded Wire flowers for those of you who would like to get more into it. You can utilize the flower tape and sew through it to attach these to elastic for corsages too.
Happy beading!
French Beaded Flower Patterns Only available electronically. Immediate download with accepted payment. 3 Rose Centers Elevate your roses to the next level with one of these rolled centers. The traditional rose center is 2 petals cupped together. I never liked this look so I went on a quest to devise something that had a tighter, more rolled look. Method 1 is inspired by the roses of Russian artist Alexander Kramarenko. Method 2 is something I came up with.
You can use these centers with any rose pattern. I give you the counts for the outer petals used in the pictures but you may need to experiment with the size of the center petals to work with the pattern you’re following. You must know how to do the. $4.00 African Violet $5.00 African Violet (JY) $14.00 Amaryllis $5.00 Anemone This intermediate pattern gives a bright, cheery flower that is a delight to see. $5.00 Anemone (Swarovski Collection) $3.00 Asiatic Lily $5.00 Aster (Swarovski Collection) $3.00 Astilbe The pattern is 9 pages long and contains over 20 quality pictures along with written instructions for making the flower pieces and assembly.
Difficulty Rating: Beginner $7.00 Aztec Lily $5.00 Baby Blue One may find the flowers of this annual species on a spring hike. They can be found in the Grasslands wooded slopes and desert washes throughout the California Floristic Province to the Mojave Desert. What Flower depicts spring more then this lovely touch of Something Blue. $6.00 Beaded Flower Basics $0.00 Beaded Flower Frame Technique This is a very cool and unusual technique found on vintage beaded flowers and on beaded flowers made in China. The leaf is often found with a traditional French Beaded Flower and the flower may be seen with a frame leaf or a French Beaded leaf. I call it the frame technique because you first form the shape, i.e.
Frame, of the leaf or petal with 22-gauge wire. Bead rows are strung horizontally with each row on a separate 26-gauge wire. Detailed instructions including templates and bead counts are included for the leaf and flower in the picture.
Templates are also included for 3 more leaves. $10.00 Beaded Flower Jewelry Metal mesh screens, also known as screen and prong settings or brooch screen finding, are the way to go for making your beaded flowers into jewelry. This article shows several ways to use these findings as well as other methods for creating beaded flower jewelry. Also included are alternative methods to cutting the top basic wire. $5.00 Bee & Dragonfly $5.00 Bird of Paradise (DK) $5.00 Bird of Paradise (RT) The Bird of Paradise pattern gives you a bright, luxurious, and exotic flower. One or two of these will give you a great focal point for any room.
For the experienced flower beader. $5.00 Bird of Paradise (Swarovski Collection) $3.00 Bleeding Heart $5.00 Bleeding Heart (SM) $5.00 Blister Pearl Flower This beaded flower is so easy to make with these detailed instruction and the result is impressive! $5.00 Bonsai Tree $5.00 Bridal Bouquet $10.00 Bridal Flower Variations $8.00 Bromeliad $5.00 Bumble Bee $4.00 Butterfly $5.00 Calla Lily (DK) $5.00 Calla Lily (JY) $14.00 Canterbury Bells $3.50 Carnation $5.00 Cattleya Orchid When most people think of an orchid they are most likely picture the Cattleya Orchid. They are widely known for their large, showy flowers and are a popular for prom night and weddings. $5.00 Cattleya Orchid (DK) $5.00 Christmas Cactus $5.00 Cincinnamon Stick Ornament These ornaments are so quick and easy and make wonderful tree ornaments, stocking stuffer gifts or package decorations. Place them near a light on your tree so the heat of the light will release more of the cinnamon scent or add a drop or two of cinnamon oil.
$0.00 Clematis $7.00 Clematis (Swarovski Collection) $3.00 Columbine (DB) $7.00 Columbine (DK) $5.00 Common Flax $5.00 Coneflower The delightful Coneflower's distinctive feature is its cone-shaped center. This beginner pattern works up easily. $5.00 Coral Bean $5.00 Crocus (DK) $5.00 Crocus (RT) The cheery harbinger of Spring is easy to work up, and is perfect for your windowsill.
A beginner pattern. $5.00 Cyclamen $5.00 Cymbidium Orchid $5.00 Daffodil (DK) $5.00 Daffodil (MO) $5.00 Daisy (RT) This is a fun pattern that is easy to do and works up quickly. It includes directions for both a full-size and a small flower.
$5.00 Day Lily $5.00 Deconstructing a Chinese Beaded Flower Although you’ll often find these flowers on eBay listed as antique they are actually contemporary flowers made in China. I saw a vase full of these flowers in white and green when I visited Mario Rivoli’s Shop in Denver many years ago. I have about 6 of these flowers and I decided to deconstruct one because I was curious how it was put together. The stems are thick and stiff enough to hold up the flower well. But, you can still shape the stem easily and spiral it so the stem becomes a display stand. $0.00 Delphinium Delphinium or Larkspur is the birth month flower for July.
Feelings of open heart and ardent attachment are attributed to it. It is native throughout the Northern Hemisphere and also on the high mountains of tropical Africa. Delphinium come in many colors including whites, pinks and blues. This one is particularly attractive using bluish glass beads with a pink core, giving the impression of being a light lavendar. Knowledge of basic French Beading techniques required. This would also look beautiful done with Swarovski Crystals (or Fire Polish for a less expensive version).
$5.00 Dendrobium $5.00 Dutch Iris $5.00 Dutchman's Breeches $5.00 Dwarf Apple Blossom $5.00 Eucalyptus $5.00 Exotic The Exotic is a fantasy flower that makes up quickly. Many of these would be lovely bunched in a vase! For the intermediate flower beader. $5.00 Fabulous Fern $6.00 Fall Leaves $5.00 Fire Rose This rose is an exotic variant on the standard rose. I call it a Fire Rose because this prototype was made in tones of orange and red. The small version is approximately 4 inches across, and the large version is approximately 5 ½ inches across.
$5.00 Fireweed $5.00 Floribunda Rose $5.00 Four Petal Fantasy $5.00 Freesia $5.00 Garden Tulip $5.00 Gardenia $5.00 Gardenia Jasminoides The lush Gardenia is an intermediate pattern that gives impressive results. The mixing of rounded-top and pointed-top petals gives this flower its intriguing look. Instructions for the full flower and the bud are included. Finished flower is 4-3/4 inches. $5.00 Geranium $5.00 Ghost Orchid $5.00 Giant Bengal Clock Vine This pattern for a Giant Bengal Clock Vine was inspired by a picture book of Caribbean flowers. The real flower grows much smaller than this hence the pattern's name.
How To Make Beaded Flowers
This pattern teaches the reverse-wrap technique. For the intermediate flower beader. $5.00 Gladiola $5.00 Gladiola (Swarovski Collection) $3.00 Gloriosa Lily The Gloriosa Lily is a slightly more advanced pattern for the experienced beader, or the beader looking for a challenge.
The result is very dramatic. $5.00 Golden Grain $5.00 Hanging Fuchsia $5.00 Harvest Lily $5.00 Heather Make a basket full of purple and green heather or use as filler in your floral arrangements.
The photo shows the branches spread out but for final use bring them close together. $6.00 Hibiscus (DK) $5.00 Hibiscus (RT) The exotic Hibiscus is a favorite in Florida, Hawaii and other warm climates. Now we can have beautiful Hibiscus year round, even outside the tropics! This flower's remarkable yellow stamen is what sets it apart. This challenging pattern is for the experienced beader. $5.00 Hummingbird Hummingbirds are among the smallest birds measuring 3-5 inches (7.5–13 cm). This small size makes them perfect to go along with beaded flowers.
$5.00 Hyacinth $5.00 Hydrangea $5.00 Hypoestes $5.00 Indian Paintbrush The Indian Paintbrush grows in the American Southwest. Its brilliant coloring is delightful. This pattern will give you plenty of practice in graduated shading of petals. $5.00 Iris (Beaded) $5.00 Kowhai $6.00 Lady Slipper $5.00 Large Moth Orchid $5.00 Liatris $5.00 Lilac $5.00 Lily Complete instructions for a large or small beaded lily with digital photographs of each step. Suitable for all levels of beaders as all techniques are covered in detail, and shading is addressed for the more advanced beader. As an added bonus, I’ve included a pattern for a shaded lily as well as instructions for 2 methods for designing your own shaded petal. $8.00 Lily (RT) This is a more advanced Lily pattern which will give you petals that are narrowed and elongated at the top and bottom.
Using the split-basic technique, this pattern will give you a longer, leaner, more elegant Lily. $5.00 Lily Corsage $8.00 Lily of the Valley $5.00 Lily Tulip $5.00 Lollipop $5.00 Lotus $5.00 Magnolia The elegant Magnolia will add a touch of Southern charm to any home.
This pattern demonstrates the following techniques: double horizontal basic loops, cupping, and single split basic. Finished flower is 3-3/4 to 4 inches. An intermediate to advanced pattern. $5.00 Mexican Thistle $5.00 Miniatures $5.00 Moth Orchid $5.00 New Zealand Clematis $6.00 Orchid This large Orchid displays a delicate ruffling around the larger petals.
When shaped, the finished flower measures about 6' across, and 6 1/2' top to bottom. An intermediate pattern.
$5.00 Oriental Poppy $5.00 Ox-Eye Daisy $5.00 Pansy $5.00 Paperwhite Narcissus $5.00 Passion Flower $5.00 Peony $5.00 Peony (LH) The PDF spans 19 pages and contains over 45 high quality pictures along with detailed written instructions to guide you in making your very own beaded Peony. Difficulty Rating: Intermediate - Advanced $8.00 Perfect Rose $10.00 Phalaenopsis Orchid (JY) $14.00 Pink Lilies $5.00 Pink Petals This full bloomed flower looks impressive but uses very simple components. A unique assembly method allows for the dramatic center. $12.50 Plumeria $5.00 Pohutukawa $6.00 Poinsettia (CC) This small poinsettia with leaves may be planted, fashioned into a brooch, used in a wreath or as a candle decoration.
Instructions also provided for medium and large flower. $6.00 Poinsettia (DK) $5.00 Poppy (Swarovski Collection) $3.00 Protea $5.00 Purple Passion $5.00 Queen Anne's Lace $5.00 Rose (RK) $5.00 Rose Bud Bridal Veil $5.00 Ruffled Rose You will receive a 15 page PDF containing over 40 high quality pictures along with written instructions. The PDF contains a pattern for a full bloom and a bud, naturally with leaves.
Difficulty Rating: Beginner - Intermediate $8.00 Russian Wire Leaf Approximately 1-1/2 inches by 1 inch this leaf pattern is demonstrated in three constrasting colors so that it’s easier to follow the threading path. Once you’ve mastered the technique use one, two or more colors for your leaves. Attach several to a stem wire for a branch, use them in jewelry, or use as applique in bead embroidery or quilt projects. $5.00 Sanseveria $5.00 Shamrocks $5.00 Snail Vine $4.00 Snapdragon $5.00 Spider Lily $5.00 Spidermum $5.00 Spiderwort $5.00 Spoon Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemums are usually associated with the Autumn season in the northern hemisphere, but the living flowers actually have no season. Spoon mums are a beautiful example of this kind of flower. This pattern is unique in that it utilizes Size 10 and Size 11 beads, both opaque and transparent.
$5.00 Stephanotis Stephanotis floribunda, a popular element in wedding bouquets, is a tropical vine native to Madagascar. It is also know as Madagascar Jasmine, Bridal Veil, Bridal Wreath, Chaplet Flower, Hawaiian Wedding Flower. $5.00 Sunflower (Large) $5.00 Sunflower (SM) $5.00 Sunflower (Small) $5.00 Swarovski Collection $15.00 Swarovski Orchid If you want a large flower, the Swarovski Orchid is it. This pattern gives impressive results that are delightful to see. An intermediate to advanced pattern. The finished flower is approximately 7' across by 7-8' high.
$5.00 Swarovski Orchid Pin. $5.00 Sweet Violet $5.00 Sweetheart Rose $5.00 Tembleques - Beaded Flowers from Panama Tembleques are beaded flowers that make up the headdress of La Pollera, the national costume of Panama. These techniques may look like the basic French beaded flower or loop techniques but they're quite different. You'll also recognize the Victorian technique with some interesting variations.
The tutorial is 29 pages with detailed photos showing each step. Five petal techniques with variations are shown as well as how to assemble a hair ornament. These hair ornaments are very light and would be great for brides. $8.00 Texas Bluebonnet $5.00 Thimble Christmas Trees $6.00 Thimble Poinsettia $9.00 Thimble Trees for Four Seasons $6.00 Thistle This Thistle pattern was designed for Cincinnati's Hyde Park Square Art Show in October 2003. This fascinating photograph was featured on the November cover of Bee Culture magazine.
$5.00 Tiger Lily (DK) $5.00 Traditional Tajik Flower $5.00 Triple Orchid Corsage Brooch $9.00 Trumpet Vine $5.00 Tulip (Swarovski Collection) $3.00 Tulip Poplar $5.00 Violet Sprig $6.00 Whimsy The Whimsy is a fun fantasy flower that will add humor to your floral arrangement. This is an intermediate pattern that takes the Basic technique and 'kicks it up a notch'.
$5.00 Wild Fire Flower $6.00 Wild Flower (DB) $5.00 Wildflower $5.00 Winterberry $6.00 Yellow Royale The actual name of this flower is Inula (pronounced In-yew-luh) Royale but I've simplified the name to Yellow Royale. This large bloom is 6 inches in diameter. I fell in love with this flower when I first saw it in a seed catalog and knew I had to make one in beads.
$12.50 ©2014 Caren Cohen.