Bead Flowers by Aleene

BEAD WORK

Beautiful bouquets, blossoms and butterflies may be made by stringing tiny beads onto wires. Taken from an old Victorian art, this handicraft has become the most pop­ular one on today's scene.

There are THREE different kinds of beads that are generally used:
a. BUGLE BEADS which are long (#2 size)
b. ROCAILLE BEADS which are short and iridescent (#10/0 medium size or #11/0 small size)
c. SEED BEADS which are short and opaque (#10/0 medium size or #11/0 small size)

You may buy the beads either loose or already strung on string. For hobbyists it is more inexpensive to purchase them in bulk, or loose.

You may string the beads on either a #26 gauge wire, or a #30 gauge wire. The #26 gauge is heavier and sturd­ier and best for flowers with large petals or for large leaves. If the wire is on a spool, it is much easier to work with.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

STEP ONE How to string beads

You may pick up each bead individually and place on wire, or you may skim the wire across a group of beads in your hand or in a container. Each time you skim the wire across the top of a bunch of beads, you will pick up 2 to 5 beads.

STEP TWO Loop formula

You will note that all the flowers made in this book are made with loops of beads. To make a loop, slip the amount of beads needed, to within 3" from the end of your spool wire. This 3" gives you something to hold onto when working. Bend ends of wire together, holding beads with thumb and finger and twist ends of wire together tightly against beads.

STEP THREE Reinforce Loops or Petals

To reinforce loops, use #30 gauge bead wire or finer. Twist wire on top of center loop, bring it up and over top of next loop and through between loops. Bring up over top of next loop and repeat. This is like sewing the strings together. When all loops have been fastened to­gether, either at top or across center of petals, cut off wire. Reinforce on side that will not show. This wire is so fine that it is not noticeable.

BEAD STEMS

STEP FOUR Covering stems with beads

This may be done, however, you must use very thin wire for the stems so that beads will fit on them, or you must buy larger stem beads.

On several of the larger flowers, that incorporate many wires, you will find that you must string beads and wrap the strung beads around and around the stem.

STEP FIVE Wrapping stems with Florist tape

Cover stems with florist tape if beads are not used. Un­covered wires are not attractive.

Put tape on the stem, on the bias and stretch the tape as you wrap it down the wire, keeping the stem as thin as possible.

Vintage patterns by Aleene.