The Gold n Pawn

Leaf Vials

How Can You Make a French Bead Flower?

Virginia Nathanson, one of the “founding mothers” of French bead flowers in America, asked the same thing when she first saw some breathtaking arrangements of these flowers in Bonwit Teller’s gift shop in New York City a few decades ago. Ms. Nathanson used a remarkable method to find her answer: She purchased one of the larger arrangements, took it back home, and took all the flowers apart. She broke apart the sprays, unwound all the wires and examined all the materials used. By this drastic forensic method, Ms. Nathanson learned all the techniques. She would go on to teach the making of French bead flowers for decades. Wanting the knowledge she had gained to reach a wider base, she wrote one of the first series of pattern books to be published in the U.S.

You don’t have to deconstruct existing flowers to learn the methods, however. I can give you the basics right here. There are many different techniques; what I will describe for you for the flower petals and leaf is the “basic” technique, because the center of each petal or leaf is made on what is called a “basic row.” What you’ll actually be doing is making a basic row, then making circles around it with more beaded wire. The flower’s center will be made with what is called the “continuous loop” technique.

You need seed beads, 10 or 11 gauge. I use them from “hanks,” which are comprised of 20 strands of 12 inches of beads, tied together at the tops or ends. You’ll need some in your flower color and about half as much as that in green. You also need wire. Wire that is matched to your flower color is best, but if you can’t find wire the same color as your beads, use gold or silver colored wire. You will also some green wire for the leaves. This wire should be 24 or 26 gauge. You will also need a roll of green floral tape. You can get these materials in local craft stores. If beads strung on hanks are not available, buy a large bagful; a vial will be too few.

Begin the project with your flower color, in both beads and wire. Move the beads from the hank or bag onto the wire. You can just pinch them off the string and transfer them onto the wire if that works. Curl or “crimp” the end of the wire so the beads don’t fall off.

Move an inch or so of beads to within three inches of the end of the wire on the spool. Make a loop of the wire under these beads, and twist the top of the loop a few times. Make the basic loop quite long – make it six inches at first. You will use the loop wires for your flower stem when you’re done.

Now comes the interesting part. Feed in enough beads from the spool until they are touching the “basic” row beads above the loop. Fit the new beads upwards along the first set of beads so the new beads fit very snugly. Leaving no room for the “basic row” beads to move at all, wrap the spool wire straight across and around the wire just above the “basic row”. Now invert the whole piece. Repeat this process of feeding beads, tightly fitting in and wrapping until you have seven rows (counting from side to side across the front of the piece). Be sure you finish the last row at the bottom of the piece, where the loop is. Wrap two or three times to finish the final row.

Wrap some empty spool wire diagonally down the wires of the loop. Cut the bottom of the loop open and cut off the spool wire at the bottom. Cut off all but a little “nib” at the top of the piece, where that extra wire is. Bend the “nib” over onto the back of the piece, where you wrapped the spool wire. There! You’ve made your first petal!

Repeating the process exactly, make four more petals just like this one.

To make a leaf, repeat the process with the green wire and beads. Feel free to make more than one leaf if you like.

Make the center of the flower with some green beads on green wire. Move twenty to twenty-five beads to within two inches of the crimp on the end of the wire. Make a very tight self-loop with these beads. Pinch the loop quite tight so it stands up straight. Leaving just a little wire free, move along the wire and make an identical loop. On the same length of wire, make approximately ten to twelve of these self-loops. When they are done, cut the wire off the spool. Bunch these loops together and twist the wires together.

Wrap the stems of each piece. This adds stability and “tooth” in the finished flower. Here’s how: Stretch a length of tape until it turns a lighter green than unstretched tape. Securely wrap the end around the top of the collected stemwires. Turn the tape diagonally down the stem and turn the piece so that the wires are covered completely with tape all the way down. Be careful of overlapping the tape too much; you don’t want a thick stem. Keep stretching the tape as you work; stretching is what activates the wax in the tape and makes it stick. Tear the tape off at the bottom of the wires.

When all the pieces are taped, you can assemble them. Take the flower center and start the tape wrapping straight around the stem just under the beading. Complete 1 1/2 wraps. Then add a petal with the right side, which is the front, facing the center. Make another 1 1/2 wraps. Add the second petal in the same fashion. Repeat this until all the petals have been joined. Just as you did before, turn the tape about 45 degrees down the stems. Wrap for about an inch. Now add in the leaf or leaves. Continue wrapping all the way down to the bottom of the wires, and tear the tape off. Shape all the parts like a real flower.

You’ve just finished your first French bead flower! Good work!

About the Author

Rosemary Kurtz has been a bead flower artist for decades. She has won many blue ribbons for her work in bead flowers on local, national and international levels. Her work appears in many books, and she has shown her work in art shows in Manhattan. Click here to visit her website or to purchase her original patterns and instructional DVDs.

Buyers and Cellars Quest Guide Part 1 (Commentary)

WHOLESALE 1000 GOLD LEAF VIALS + 100 GRAMS SILVER FLAKE $775.00

WHOLESALE – 500 GOLD FLAKE VIALS + 40 GRAMS SILVER LEAF $565.00

2000 Vials! – Filled – Fine Collectible – Gold Leaf Flakes – Bullion Scrap $$$$ $499.99

2000 Vials! +Bonus 100 Grams Fine Collectible Gold Leaf Flakes-Bullion Scrap $299.99

1000 glass vial Lot + Bonus Gold leaf flake Make Vials$ $249.95

1000 Vials! – Filled – Fine Collectible – Gold Leaf Flakes – Bullion Scrap $$$$ $219.99

1000 Vials! – Filled Fine Collectible Gold Leaf Flakes Bullion Scrap P#4002C $199.97

500 GOLD LEAF FLAKE VIALS, wholesale lot, low prices! $174.97

1000 Vials! + Bonus 45 Grams Fine Collectible Gold Leaf Flakes-Bullion Scrap $159.95

WHOLESALE ~ 100 GOLD LEAF VIALS + LOT OF SILVER FLAKE ~ $148.00

500 Vials! – Filled – Fine Collectible – Gold Leaf Flakes – Bullion Scrap $$$$ $124.99

500 Filled Collectible Gold Leaf Flake Vials- Gorgeous and Beautiful – P#4002A $109.99

500 Filled Collectible Gold Leaf Flake Vials- Gorgeous and Beautiful – P#4002B $109.99

500 Filled Collectible Gold Leaf Flake Vials- Gorgeous and Beautiful – P#4002C $109.99

500 Vials! – Filled Fine Collectible Gold Leaf Flakes Bullion Scrap PART#4002 $109.99

500 glass vial Lot + Bonus Gold leaf flake Make Vials$ $99.95

500 Vials! + Bonus 22 Grams Fine Collectible- Gold Leaf Flakes – Bullion Scrap$ $85.00

250 Vials! + Bonus-Fine Collectible-Gold Leaf Flakes – Bullion Scrap $$$ 4001A $49.95

100 Vials! – Filled – Fine Collectible – Gold Leaf Flakes – Bullion Scrap $$$$ $44.99

250 Vials! + Bonus 10 Grams Fine Collectible- Gold Leaf Flakes – Bullion Scrap$ $41.99

100 GOLD LEAF FLAKE VIALS, wholesale lot, low bulk price! free shipping $39.97

100 Vials! – Filled Fine Collectible Gold Leaf Flakes Bullion Scrap P#4002C $39.97

100 GOLD LEAF FLAKE VIALS, wholesale lot, low prices! $39.97

100 Vials! – Filled Fine Collectible Gold Leaf Flakes Bullion Scrap P#4002D $38.88

100 Filled Collectible Gold Leaf Flake Vials- Gorgeous and Beautiful – P#4002A $34.99

100 Filled Collectible Gold Leaf Flake Vials- Gorgeous and Beautiful – P#4002B $34.88

Vintage Sterling Silver Golden Flake Leaf Vial Prosperity Healing Pendant $33.60

925 Sterling Silver Golden Flake Leaf Vial Pendant Vintage $33.60

100 Vials! + Bonus 7 Grams Fine Collectible- Gold Leaf Flakes – Bullion Scrap$$ $32.00

50 Vials! – Filled – Fine Collectible – Gold Leaf Flakes – Bullion Scrap $$$$ $29.99

50 Vials! + Bonus- Fine Collectible- Gold Leaf Flakes- Bullion Scrap $$$$ 4001A $24.99

50 GOLD LEAF FLAKE VIALS, discount lot, black caps! FREE SHIPPING $24.97

50 Filled Collectible Gold Leaf Flake Vials- Gorgeous and Beautiful – P#4002B $22.99

50 Filled Collectible Gold Leaf Flake Vials- Gorgeous and Beautiful – P#4002C $22.99

25 Vials! – Filled – Fine Collectible – Gold Leaf Flakes – Bullion Scrap $$$$ $19.99

10 Grams of Gold Leaf Flake – Makes 250+ Vials! $19.99

50 Vials! + Bonus 4 Grams Fine Collectible- Gold Leaf Flakes – Bullion Scrap$$$ $17.99

25 Filled Collectible Gold Leaf Flake Vials- Gorgeous and Beautiful – P#4002A $15.99

Acorn & Oak Leaves Vial of Blood Pendant/Necklace Goth Punk Hippie Rocker Emo $15.00

GOLD BUY 1 Heart Get 5 VIALS FREE! – 24K Gold Leaf in Glass Heart $14.99

10 VIALS GOLD LEAF FLAKES – VERY PRETTY – NO LIQUID!! $14.99

25 GOLD LEAF FLAKE VIALS, wholesale lot, black cap! FREE SHIPPING $14.97

20 GOLD LEAF FLAKE VIALS, wholesale lot, low prices! $14.95

33 Grams 24K Gold Leaf Flake Vials~4 Vials~ $14.95

Lot of 10 Vials gold flake / leaf / scrap 24K BONUS $14.80

25 GOLD LEAF FLAKE VIALS, wholesale lot, black cap! FREE SHIPPING $12.97

14 Vials of Gold Leaf Flakes without liquid 2in long x10, 1.5in long x4 $12.00

18.1 Grams 24K Gold Leaf Flake Vial~Largest On Ebay~ $10.00

20 Vials! + Bonus 2 Grams Fine Collectible- Gold Leaf Flakes – Bullion Scrap$$$ $10.00

1 Gram .999 Fine Silver Maple Leaf Bar + 5 Vials of Gold Flakes $10.00

1 Gram .999 Fine Silver Maple Leaf Bar + 5 Vials of Gold Flakes- Part#0005B $9.99

1 Gram .999 Fine Silver Maple Leaf Bar + 5 Vials of Gold Flakes- Part#0005A $9.99

1 Gram .999 Fine Silver Maple Leaf Bar + 5 Vials of Gold Flakes- Part#0005C $9.99

GOLD bottle 24k karat ? vial of leaf flakes of bullion scrap in mini jar $9.99

GOLD LEAF FLAKES!! 3 GRAM BAG + 3 VIALS – VERY NICE! $9.99

Gold Bottle 24 Karat vial of–leaf flakes–Scrap–Mini Jar– Collectible–Gift $9.99

1 Gram .999 Fine Silver Maple Leaf Bar + 5 Vials of Gold Flakes- Part#0005E $9.99

1 Gram .999 Fine Silver Maple Leaf Bar + 5 Vials of Gold Flakes- Part#0005D $9.99

20 GOLD LEAF FLAKE VIALS, wholesale lot, treasure! $9.97

ONE GLASS VIAL FULL OF PURE GOLD LEAF FLAKES $9.95

GOLD BUY 7 VIALS GET 7 FREE! – 24K Gold Leaf in Vials, 3X Larger than others! $9.79

GOLD bottle 24k karat ? vial of leaf flakes of bullion scrap in mini jar $8.99

GOLD LEAF FLAKES IN 1-GRAM BAG + 1 VIAL – NICE!! $8.99

GOLD LEAF – LAPIS LAZULI rough PRECIOUS STONE GLASS VIAL PENDANT $8.87

GOLD BUY 5 VIALS GET 7 FREE! – 24K Gold Leaf in Vials, 3X Larger than others! $8.79

Lot of 5 Vials gold flake / leaf / scrap 24K BONUS $8.63

REAL GOLD LEAF FLAKES in GLASS CORKED VIAL Treasures Hunts FUN $7.99

REAL GOLD LEAF FLAKES in GLASS CORKED VIAL Value Treasure Hunt $7.99

FIVE (5) LARGE 15MMx45MM GLASS VIALS FULL OF PURE GOLD LEAF FLAKES – LOT #4 $6.99

(6) LARGE 3ML VIALS RED, BLUE & GREEN GOLD LEAF FLAKES, BULLION, SCRAP, LOT $6.99

FIVE (5) LARGE 15MMx45MM GLASS VIALS FULL OF PURE GOLD LEAF FLAKES – LOT #5 $6.99

(6) LARGE 3ML VIALS RED, BLUE & GREEN GOLD LEAF FLAKES, BULLION, SCRAP, LOT $6.99

REAL GOLD LEAF FLAKES in GLASS CORKED VIAL Treasures $6.99

SILVER LEAF FLAKES in GLASS VIAL Valued Treasure hunt $6.99

GOLD LEAF FLAKE IN VIAL ( NO LIQUID) approximately 2.1 GRAMS $6.95

1 Purple Leaf Perfume oil vial pendant bottle SCREW CAP $6.25

1 blue Leaf Perfume oil vial pendant bottle SCREW CAP $6.25

1 Pink Leaf Miniature vial oil pendant bottle SCREW CAP $6.25

1 Rose Green Leaf Glass bottle vial charm pendant $6.25

24k GENUINE REAL AUSTRALIAN GOLD LEAF FLAKES VIAL GILDING ART ARTS CRAFT CRAFTS $6.24

.999 MIL GOLD MAPLE LEAF B/U CLAD BAR + 2 VIALS OF .999 GOLD FLAKES $5.99

3 Red Rose Tube Vial Pendants. 3 Color Glass Red Rose with Green Stem Leaves $5.99

3 Yellow Rose Tube Vial Pendants. 3 Glass Yellow Rose with Green Stem Leaves $5.99

24K Gold Bullion Lot Leaf Scrap Flakes Set Vial Invest! $5.25

3 Filled Collectible Gold Leaf Flake Vials $4.99

Kerastase Aqua-Oleum $55.75 Kerastase Nutritive Aqua-Oleum provides instant and lasting nutrition for dry to moderately dry hair. This nourishing treatment penetrates the hair fiber thanks to the Nutri-Huille technology to leave hair feeling ultra-light and silky from root to tip. An immediate and lasting result, Aqua-Oleum treatment combines Nano-Nutrition, Jojoba and Avocado Oils, to form an ultra fine emulsion that works …

Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Diamante Illuminating Shine Lotion 0.43 oz. (Box of 12 vials) $23.94 This revitalizing no-rinse Microcrystalline Treatment provides body, elasticity, and extreme shine and detangles instantly. Illuminating Shine Lotion closes the hair cuticle, leaves it smoother, silkier and glossier. Enriched with Vitamin F and Linseed Extract, from the first application, it closes the hair cuticle, leaves it smoother, silkier and glossier….

Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Essential Oil 12 Applications Big Sale! $24.30 CRISTALLI ILLUMINATING ESSENTIAL OIL An instant hair repair Microcrystalline Treatment. Cristalli Illuminating Oil adds superior shine, softness, and luminosity to dull, dry hair. Its highly nourishing Linseed Oil complex (Omega-3, Omega-6 Fatty Acids, Vitamins) repairs capilary fibers and seals the hair cuticle, making hair softer and smoother. Does not weight hair down. Instantly leaves hair vi…

10 Vials of Real Gold Flake 3ml Tubes of Gold Money Maker $11.99 THESE REAL GOLD FLAKE VIALS ARE LOW GRADE GOLD ORE (2K-3K PURITY VALUE WHICH VARIES GREATLY). BUT THE FLAKES HAVE A SPARKLING RICH APPEARANCE OF A MUCH FINER GOLD. OUR VIALS CONTAIN 100% FLAKES WITH NO ALCHOHOL ADDED. The Vials size is 2″ tall x 5/16″ wide and made of glass and have clear plastic snap on tops.The Vials are filled with the flakes and have NO liquid added. These flakes are as light …

Gold Leaf Flake Bullion in Glass Vial $0.99 Each vial is packed with magnificent gold leaf scrap. The gold flakes can be used as gifts, party favors, party decorations or even a great addition to any collection. These are a great gift item and are sold in shops all over the world. Each vial is roughly 8mm in diameter and 48mm tall from top to bottom. The plastic stoppers will be white or black. Gold passed over $1,700 an ounce this past …