I've been a subscriber to Better Homes and Garden (BHG) magazine my entire adult life. And before that, I grew up with the magazine arriving every month to our home. I loved looking at the beautiful homes pictured and the lovely gardens featured. There were lots of delicious recipes that my sister and I often tried to make, lol! I also love the fact that the magazine would usually have a simple DIY craft included in most of the issues! Imagine my excitement when I saw the cover of the January/February 2024 Better Homes and Garden magazine! Just take a look!
It's all about beaded flowers and . . .
the simple (and sometimes not so simple) techniques on how to make them!
Welcome to our Creative Craft Hop hosted by Sara @Birdz of a Feather! We are so glad you're here! If you're coming over from Donna @Modern on Monticello, welcome! Wasn't Donna's Pom Pom Pillow adorable! Please don't forget to check out all of the stunning creative craft projects listed at the bottom of my post!
Now back to my excitement about Beaded Flowers! When I looked at the cover of the BHG magazine and read the article, I wanted to know more. I discovered that this type of beading is called French Beading, which is really an ancient beading technique. However, nothing in the article mentioned that what they were talking about was actually French Beading!
Materials Used:
- Seed Beads 6/0
- Wire - 26 gauge
- Bead Spinner
- Wire Cutter
- Ruler
- Nylon Jaw Pliers
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Wood Skewer Stick
- Stem Wire 16 gauge
- Floral Tape
I decided to make a continuous loop beaded flower - which means making the petals or leaves on the same length of wire. one loop is one petal. So the first thing I needed to do was to string all the beads I thought I would need on 26 gauge wire - while leaving the wire attached to the spool.
Knot the end of the wire so the beads won't fall off.
To decide how many beads are in a petal, you can either count the beads or use a ruler. I decided it would be easier to use a ruler. I wanted my petals to be four inches. So I left about four inches of wire from the end knot and slid the 4" of beads after measuring toward the 4" space of wire.
Create a loop with the beads, twisting the wire three times to secure.
Leave a small space on the wire and measure out another four inches of beads.
Create another loop, twisting three times again.
Continue leaving a small space between loops and measuring out four inches of beads. forming a loop until . . .
you have the desire number of petals. In this case, five petals. Then cut the wire, leaving a four inch tail. Cross the tail wire over the first wire creating a circle of petals, twisting the two wires together into a tail.
I wanted to make a layered continuous loop flower, which would make the flower look fuller. That meant decreasing the number of beads in each petal for each additional layer. I chose to make three layers of petals. So for the next layer, I measured out three inches of beads for each petal and repeated the steps I used with the first layer. Once the second layer was complete, insert the tail into the middle of the first layer twisting both tails together.
For the third layer, measured out two inches of beads for each of the five petals, leaving a small space between each loop and repeating the same steps as before. Stacking all three finished layers together and twisting the wire tails together to secure.
Complete the look by adding beads to a four inch wire, wrapping the length of beads around a wooden skewer. Then remove to twist the two wire ends together and . . .
inserting the wire ends into the center of the flower layers for a decorative look.
Finish the flower by inserting a stem wire into the back of the flower and wrapping the bead wire around the stem wire.
To make the leaves, use the bead spinner to string a few feet of beads onto wire, then make a small loop so the beads won't fall off.
Count out four beads for the basic row from the spool and slide them toward the end of the wire. Leave a small length of wire above. Make a loop in the wire and twist a few times.
Move more beads down the working wire slightly longer that the basic count up from the spool and wrap around until they are beside the basic row toward the top wire.
Repeat bringing up more beads for each row until the desired number of rows for the leaves.
Cut the basic wire a little above the top bead and bend the short piece to the back of the petal.
Close the loop and twisting the wires together. These will become the stem.
Then add the leaf to the flower stem.
Have fun joining addition flowers and leaves to the stem.
Use floral tape to wrap and cover the wires and stem wire.
Here's a different floral look using the same basic techniques!
I hope you are inspired to try making a few beaded flowers! It is truly a fun craft! Up next is Jenna from The Painted Apron sharing her beautiful 3D Flower Art Canvas! Jenna's creativity is amazing! And don't forget to check out all of the stunning creative craft projects listed below.
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Wow, you could do so many things with this technique! Loved seeing the progress, they look beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Rachel! It was fun seeing the finished flowers!
DeleteWhat a beautiful craft you created Gail. You inspire me to be more creative each month!
ReplyDeleteGail these are so pretty! It's always a pleasure to see your lovely crafts!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun craft, Gail. I love them in the vase, but I could also see them mounted on a canvas for artwork or attached to a package for a gift!
ReplyDeleteOh my word! I can't even imagine the time that you put into making these. They are so pretty and I love the colors. Great job girl!
ReplyDeleteI loved that issue as well and was immediately intrigued about those beaded flowers! I am so excited that I know someone who tried to make them. You did a great job on your own version. I have never heard of a bead spinner so now I need to go find one. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your beaded flowers! It looks like it takes a lot of time to make until you reveal the bead spinner. What a nifty crafting tool! You got me to buy a Bowdabra and now a see a spinner in my future. lol
ReplyDeleteHi Gail! Wow, these are cute and fun! I don't think I've ever seen beaded flowers before. As I always tell you, I so admire your patience and the way you made these with 3 petal layers so they look full. The bead spinner looks like a handy helper and I love the way you did the flower centers, so pretty!!
ReplyDeleteJenna
Bonito y delicado trabajo. Saludos
ReplyDeleteGail,
ReplyDeleteThese are so cute!! I love them!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Deb
Gail, these are so pretty. BH&G should feature them.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty Gail, you nailed it. Love the flowers. I am happy to feature your pretty beaded flowers at Love Your Creativity.
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning craft project! The beaded flowers are beautifully done and really capture that BHG-inspired charm. Your step-by-step guide is super helpful. Thanks for sharing this creative idea! Florist Melbourne
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love these BHG-inspired beaded flowers! The colors and details are stunning. Such a creative and beautiful project—perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any decor! Visit - https://flowerclub.com.au/florist-melbourne/
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the creativity and craftsmanship behind these beaded flowers! The step-by-step guide is incredibly detailed and makes it easy for even a beginner like me to follow along. The vibrant colors and intricate designs truly bring a touch of elegance to any space. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring project; I can't wait to try making my own beaded flowers and add a personal touch to my home decor. Keep up the fantastic work!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely loved this blog on BHG Inspired Beaded Flowers! The detailed instructions and stunning visuals are so inspiring. I especially appreciate the tips on choosing the right beads and techniques for creating intricate designs. Can't wait to try making some of these beautiful beaded flowers myself. Thanks for sharing such a creative and fun project idea! šø✨ Best Florists Adelaide
ReplyDeleteThis blog on BHG Inspired Beaded Flowers is truly inspiring! The detailed step-by-step guide and beautiful photography make it easy to follow along and create stunning beaded flowers. Thank you for sharing such a creative and enjoyable project!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this inspiring craft idea! šøThe BHG Inspired Beaded Flowers project is such a creative way to add a touch of elegance to any space. I love how the combination of beads and floral designs can brighten up home dĆ©cor.
ReplyDelete