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Getting Started
Materials
- 2 grams of size 11 Japanese seed beads in two colors: Main color (A) and accent color (B)
- 1 gram of size 11 hex-cut bead (C)
- Braided beading thread in 6lb test or Nymo D
- Size 12 beading needle
- Scissors
Start Stitching
On a comfortable length of thread (no longer than 5') and leaving a 3" tail, string a stop bead. Pick up 1 B, 9 A, and 3 B. Skip the last B added and pass needle and thread through the next B.
Continue to 2 of 14 below. -
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Finish Stitching the Base
Continue to work as outlined in Steps 6 - 8 to gather the petals together. Remember to add a B bead into the base before stitching the following petal.
Continue to 10 of 14 below. -
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The Finished Flower
After you have added a total of 6 picots in between the 6 petals of the second layer, weave thread into the beadwork, knot and add a drop of glue if desired, weave the thread into the beadwork a little more and trim close to the beadwork. Weave in the tail that is coming out of the center circle of B beads as well.
Ideas for Using Russian Flowers
- These flowers make wonderful brooches and pins. You can work them up in a variety of colors using a variety of seed beads - try using triangle beads instead of hex-cut beads for the second layer of embellishment.
- Use one as the centerpiece for a fabulous corsage-like bracelet.
- Dangle three or four from a netted necklace.
- Make a statement pendant by combining three or four peyote-stitched Russian style leaves in a cluster underneath a flower and hang from a beaded or satin rope.
- Work two in size 15 beads and make a stunning pair of earrings.
- Stitch a Swarovski crystal or gemstone bead as an accent into the center ring.