FLOWER VASE PENDANT

This floral vase design was inspired and triggered after
I had just run a workshop teaching the very popular motif of:
 "Tree of Life" pendants. And you'll see why ... as it's a very
similar technique!

To get started, you first need to choose your 'VASE' bead and that can
then dictate the colour inspiration for your choice of 'flower', or 'bloom'
beads.

Flat shaped beads work well for vases, but as always, anything goes!

STEP 1

Look in your bead stash to select a focal 'vase' bead. Check that
the hole of the bead isn't too narrow. (As it has to be threaded
with a bundle of fine wires - in Step 8).

STEP 2

The size of the 'vase' bead will determine the overall size of
the outer frame. I have chosen to create a circular frame,
however, oval, square or rectangular will also work!

STEP 3

Create the circular frame by wrapping 1mm wire around
a round mandrel. Create a hook at one end and bend
at least 1" (2.5cm) of wire upwards to form the stem.

STEP 4

Link the the hook around the stem wire and squeeze to secure.
*Optional: If desired, the circular frame can be hammered and flattened
to work harden on a steel block.

STEP 5

Cut 5 or 6 x lengths of 0.4mm wire which in length, should be more
than double the overall diameter of the circle. Secure the centre of each
wire by wrapping once completely around the base of the frame
(opposite the stem wire).

STEP 6

Bring all the wires together into a tight bundle, up the centre
of your circular frame.

STEP 7

Tightly grip the bundle of wires together at the base and TWIST,
keeping all the wires straight.

STEP 8

Thread the entire twisted bundle of fine wires through the
central hole of the bead. Gently twist the bead down to the
base of the frame.
(If your bead hole is too narrow, you could always remove one 
of the wires!).

STEP 9

Separate the wires initially into 3 groups and twist together
Repeat to separate further, so that you have a nice spray
of wires fanning out from the top of the 'vase' bead.

STEP 10

Thread one of the centre wires with your chosen 'bloom' beads
and secure at the top of the frame. Cutting off any excess wire.

(Once you have the centre wire threaded, you'll have more control
of balance and proportion to your design, when threading the rest 
of the 'bloom' beads out on each side of it.)

STEP 11

If you don't want to thread all of the wires, you can cut
some shorter and spiral them. Otherwise, thread with
your chosen 'bloom' beads and secure to the sides of the
frame. Cut off any excess wire and neaten all the ends.

STEP 12

You can thread the stem wire, at the top of the pendant with
a bead, OR as above, create a small, even coil of wire with
a tail end ...

STEP 13

This tail end can be created into a small, tight spiral ...

STEP 14

The coil can be threaded onto the stem wire, projecting from
the top of your frame. Finally, using your round nosed pliers
(or bail maker pliers) form a single/or/double link, that sits
snuggly on top of the coil at the top of your pendant frame.

STEP 15

And now ... all that's left to do, is to attach it to a chain, ribbon
or cord and it's ready to wear!

The variations, as always, are endless! Create a bunch of
blooming marvellous vase pendants as key ring decorations,
necklaces or earrings. Alternatively, attach to the front of a Birthday,
Get Well Soon, or Special Occasion greetings card!

Here's one I made with those little lucite flower beads.

Have a Bloomin' Marvellous

time making your own!