Description
Floral Garland
My floral garland bracelet originally appeared in Bead and Button Magazine. When I created the design, I had been interested in experimenting with using two-holed beads to create layers of beadwork. For this project I used Twin Hole beads. But in fact, it should work equally well with Superduos. I mixed these with seed beads in a Cellini spiral (this is a particular variation of tubular Peyote stitch). Then, I used the second hole to create the floral design around the bracelet. You will just use basic daisy chain stitch and again, ordinary seed beads.
I have also been fascinated by beaded clasps and ways in which I can use them as an integral part of jewellery designs. So, for this bracelet, I imagined that the clasp might be like a detail of part of the floral garland, showing one of the little flowers as if magnified. It is basically a toggle clasp made using 10mm pearls and round bead with a Peyote stitch toggle. This fits into the carefully constructed bracelet ends. When fastened, you can wear the clasp as a focal point on the front of the wrist.
Tips
When the design appeared in Bead and Button, the lovely editor, Connie Whittaker, re-worked it. I found her brilliant to work with and it was fascinating for me to see my design in completely new colours. It never fails to amaze me what a difference colouring can make to a design. Choose a new colour palette and the design takes on a new life. So you can see Connie’s take on the bracelet in the photos here.
This project is suitable for more advanced beaders as it may feel a little tricky working with the two-holed beads and adding the daisy chain. If you’re happy to push yourself, though, don’t be put off – give this a go! If you’re feeling really ambitious, it will also make a fabulous necklace. I suggest making it choker length so you can wear the clasp at the front.
