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April 06, 2015

Daisy Chain Sampler and Variations

Flower Power


Did you miss me?  I took my laptop with me on spring break, but I only opened it once and decided it was better to take a break from technology for a little bit.  I didn't take a break from beading though, so I have a few things to get caught up on.


I decided seed beads travel better than wire so that's what the next few projects will be. And since it's finally spring, I opted for flowers.

I know it can't be true for everyone, but I started beading by learning to make daisy chains when I was a kid. And I made lots and lots of necklaces and bracelets.

The funny thing is, that aside from changing the colors I used, I never thought about trying to change the pattern. Until this week that is. Here's some previous experiments I did with changing the types of beads I use in the daisy chain.


This is my daisy sampler bracelet.  It shows my progressive experiments with how to alter a beaded daisy.


I started simply enough - just changing the number of petal beads and the flower centers.  These flowers all use 8/0 seed beads surrounding 4mm bicones or a 4mm round crystal glass beads.  I used black WildFire thread.  

From this experiment, I like the way the round center bead gives a nice round symmetrical flower and the bicones give a more elongated one. I always use an even number of petals for my flowers, so they have either 8 or 10 petal beads.


From there, I decided to embellish the basic daisy, adding pointed petals that ended up giving me a star and with spiky petals that ended up a bit sea anemone like.


Then I added some 11/0 beads and kept the rounded shape.  At this point, I wasn't sure what to make of the samples - good or bad, but I almost always try to wear my new creations so I can think about their design a little more. It made sense to try and balance the design a little bit so I could make a bracelet.


It's kinda funky - and perfect for vacation mode.


Then I decided to make another that had a little more planning behind it. This color combination looks amazing on a nice tan.


And since I haven't made a ring in a while, I had to try one.  It's just 3 daisies, with a 2 bead spacer between each flower and a ladder stitch band.  It's very cute on. Makes me wonder if I could make one using elastic cord.


One of the things I like most about daisy chain jewelry is that you just don't have to try that hard.  Just like the flower, it doesn't expect to be expensive or grand. Simple and fun is probably what it aspires to be. Perfect for relaxing on vacation.


I will be writing instructions on how to make all of these flowers soon and will add links to the post as they are available.

I also discovered some new possibilities in finishing beaded jewelry using thread protectors or wire guardians .  I think they are more secure than jump rings, so I'll be experimenting with them some more in the future too.

The free tutorials for the various flower designs will probably be published on the beadwork.about.com website.  Sign up for the weekly newsletter there to know when they are available.

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3 comments:

  1. They'd make great ankle bracelets, too. Very cool flower variations!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Barbara! They were fun to make. I have a few other ideas in mind, but I agree - an ankle bracelet would be great. Maybe barefoot sandals too. I've never made those before.

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  2. AnonymousMay 27, 2015

    Thanks a lot for the wonderful ideas, Lisa. You've inspired me for the necklace + bracelet :) Now they are in my pinterest board...

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