Progressive Beading
Beginning with the
Sunflowers Daisy Chain Superduo Bracelet
I'm not an advanced beader by any circumstances. However more of an intermediate beader. I haven't made all the beading stitches of yet. I found comfort in a few stitches and also found love for Superduos. These are small two hole beads that can turn a person into an addicted beader! I saved up projects t do when I have time. And I will share a link to a pattern that I found fun to make. And the pattern leaf directions gave me an idea to create something more than just a bracelet.
First, here is what a Superduo looks like. They come in many colors and different finishes. Prices are different for the beads because the minerals used to color the glass beads and different finishes vary in costs. You will fins that some colors are more pricey than others. These beads are elongated and looks pinched at the ends. They fit together so nicely!
I have practiced making a few bracelets with Superduos, then ran across this pattern called Sunflower Daisy Chain Superduo Bracelet. It is a pattern made by someone using the name Spin Planet Designs. The pattern has to be purchases. I saw it for free for a short while but now it is back to charging for the pattern. You can find this pattern by clicking HERE.
I like making bracelets for myself that fits exactly around my wrist. But I find it easier to make bracelets for others by adding a chain so the piece could fit a range of sizes. One of the finished daisy bracelets below.
Once I got comfortable with the pattern I bought more beads to made different color flowers in the bracelet. There is another Blog I would like to share with you that has very nice beading. It was this Blog that I found this bracelet and the information into finding where the pattern is located. The Blog is named Linda's Crafty Inspirations. You can find her on Pinterest also. Please check her Blog out because there are so many free patterns there. Many are not available because those pieces she works with are sometimes other peoples work. She may take a piece and work it to her liking to make changes to it. I see her as a progressive beader also. This is just what this article I am writing will show how you just progress with your beading, begining with one thing and turning out another thing. To visit Linda's Blog click HERE.
The next thing I made was this weak looking flower. Making the petals from the leaves that jut out from the center. Now the daisy part is the center of the flower, not the whole flower itself.
If you do notice the leaf made between the flower, that was what helped me to build a bigger flower. Now I don't own this pattern so I can't show you how I did this, I'm sure you can figure it out once you hav3e the pattern like I figured it out.
Each petal was made using every other superduo on the outside of the daisy design. What works out nicely is when you have the right color of beads that make the piece stand out. Not the best photo, but the flower still stands out. Looks a bit like a starfish.
Since that worked out really nicely, I thought to try to add more petals by using all the daisy's superduos. More leaves added turned into more petals. As my work shows here in this next photo.
Now here is where your brain goes crazy! What would it look like in this color of bead? And this color of center? And what finish would stand out nicely on these petal edges? I need more beads!!! I love the frosted beads for the petals, but what about other colors of the translucent superduos? Would they work out nicely too? I have to find out, ha! ha!
While working with these flowers I had to pay close attention to the hole size on the petal beads that connect to the daisy patterns outer edge. Too many passes through one area and your needle won't go through and the project won't be completed or you will break a bead by forcing the needle in. Been there, done that!
Now I'm not sure what I will make from these flowers, but I do know I want to get such a combination of colors that I can afford. I find beading fun, relaxing and satisfying. That occurs after you pass beyond the learning curve of frustration, ripping out and starting over and going brain dead at times.
Don't think all this happened at once. It was a gradual thing after I made a handful of bracelets of different sizes. And to order the color of bead you want and to find the best sale on those beads takes time. Some companies take so long to send your order out to you, it is aggravating.
So I love the white daisy bracelet I made. Can I get a pair of earrings and a necklace out of this pattern? Why, Yes! I made a pair of earrings and feel so s about them and put them aside. Then made pieces to build a necklace of daisy flowers and leaves. I have a photo here below but the piece is not on a chain in this picture. Looks great on a chain.
The Chain would attach to the top leaf. I have to say it was a struggle to figure out how I could formulate a design. But once I pieced it together I realized that the next time I make this piece I wouldn't have to make so many sections. This pattern is easy to move from one are to another, beading without knotting it off as I did the first time.
For me right now, I need a pattern to make something really nice. But everyone can begin with one pattern and then branch off with that pattern from what you learned into something new!
