Continuing with the "fancy midrib" continuous basic frame, I modified the approach by wrapping the sepal wire round around the bases of the petals. Because this petal is edged with a contrasting color (strung on a different wire, of course) this means the outer ring of petals has three strands of 24ga wire supporting them, in addition to doubled ribs: I don't like stuff that breaks if you breathe on it wrong.

French beaded flower. Completed 08feb09. 2-1/2 inches wide. Pixie center measures 15mm. Stem is 13" long. glass, wire.

I've had those mixed seed beads kicking around ever since one of my toddler aged kids decided they would look ever so much nicer together than separate; and the white was a bit leftover from my class. This flower is practically the same design as the previous one featured (excepting the lack of outer, pointed petals) but the differing bead choices make for quite differing looks.

Head on, shot in a very high key.

I also really like the way the pixie dust lampwork contrasts with the shiny silver-lined purple ruff, and how that in turn contrasts with mixed blue seed beads, which in turn are set off by slightly matte ivory...there are just so many possibilities when making these flowers.

flower completed, photos 08feb09. file 09feb09.

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