I started this before I had the good sense to check out the classic Bouquets from Beads, which our fortunate local library owns. And duh, there it was in black and white, how to make these trumpet shaped doodads. Ah well. (In fact, I learned a lot of stuff on the second go round with this classic. It really really helps to get the basics down thoroughly before attempting the complicated stuff, which is then more likely to stick.)

At any rate, I'd seen a sort-of geranium shaped leaf made just with an interior pattern of single, open loops bordered, which I thought rather pretty. I'd also seen an open version of a bell-shaped leaf in the article about Mario Rivoli; so I played around with that, too. Finally I added picots to my lacings. And incorporated some differing bead sizes.

green fantasy flower. April 2008. 19, 22, 28, 34 gauge wires, seed beads, lampwork (center), mandrel wire, floral tape. 10” overall, beaded portion 3”.

I even managed to make a leaf with decent mixing of seed bead covered and bare wire, shown in the second picture. I figure I ought to make 10–15 more leaves, and by the end of the series, I might be starting to get somewhere, at least with the floral form. (I haven't forgotten the dragons...)

Showing wire-wrapped and french beaded leaf.

I'm also getting better with my bead spinner, something I'm going to have to master if I want to do the mixed bead variety in any practical way.

file created 4apr08.

Unless otherwise noted, text, image and objects depicted therein copyright 1996--present sylvus tarn.