Free Beading Tutorial: Paisley Duo Flower Motif
This blog post is linked to my YouTube video, bringing you a free beading tutorial. I have been showing you how to use a variety of shaped seed beads to make a flower motif. In the video, I’ve taken you through everything step-by-step. But I know this can be a lot to take in. So, I wanted to supplement that with a little more information.
In this blog post, I will be talking a little more about the materials for the project. I will also link to some additional help with the techniques I used. And, for anyone who prefers to work from a PDF, I also sell a written tutorial for this project.
My video featured a couple of designs I went on to make with my Paisley Duo Flower motif. So, if you are interested in trying those out, I will link to those patterns as well.
Materials for this free beading tutorial
In case you missed any of it, here are the materials you need for this project. (You can buy them all using this link)
14mm Rivoli
These are commonly available. If you want to go for top quality, then Swarovski is the brand to choose. But if you’re on a more limited budget, you can find plenty of beautiful Rivolis at much cheaper prices. Any of them will work for this project. Just take care that yours really is 14mm. A different size will lead to a badly fitting cabochon.
If you want to find out more about Rivolis, use this link.
Size 11 Delicas
You really MUST use size 11 Delicas for this. If you try and use a different size or brand of bead, you’re going to find the bezel doesn’t fit. And, it’s not an option to alter the number of units in your bezel – you need a total of 18 to make the flower work. So, check your beads carefully and make sure you have the correct size and that you’re using Delicas.
Want to know more about how brands vary in size? Then, check out this blog.
Size 15 seed beads
You can get away with any brand of these. Just make sure you go for size 15. They need to be a little smaller than the Delicas in order to make the design work.
Paisley Duo Beads
I chose to use Paisley Duo beads because I had a beautiful range of colours in my stash. But, this design will also work with Zoli Duo beads.
These two bead varieties are the same size, so will substitute fine for this project. BUT Paisley Duos are flat on both front and back. So, you can turn them over to curve them right or left. Zoli Duos have a flat back and a curved (raised) front. So, they come in ‘left’ and ‘right’ packs. For this project, you will need both lefts and rights. So, take care if you’re buying these, to get both types.
Whichever you choose, bear in mind, these are two-holed beads. So, as you work, you’re going to want to check that both holes are free before you use each bead. Blocked holes can cause a lot of problems later in the project.
If you want to find out more about these beads, use this link.
Crescent Beads
These are also two-holed beads. They are crescent shaped, as you might imagine. So, again, you will need to take care to check for blocked holes and discard any beads with that issue.
You will also need to watch which hole you use, and which direction you pass through it, in order to align your beads properly. So, take care!
4mm Pearls
These are pretty standard, and you may already have some in your stash. You can also substitute with other rounded 4mm beads. So, firepolish, or crystal beads will work well.
If you want to know more about these materials, check out this blog.
Beading Thread
I chose to use Fireline beading thread, in 4lb for my project. But you are welcome to try a different thread if you feel more comfortable with something else. If you’re not sure how to choose thread, then take a look at this blog for some helpful advice.
Where to buy the materials
If you need to buy any of the materials for this free beading tutorial, they are very likely available in your local bead store. So, check that out. If you’re not lucky enough to have a local bead store, don’t worry. I can recommend an excellent supplier that ships worldwide and sells everything you need for this.
So, just click on this link to go to Potomac Beads and start gathering your supplies now.
Techniques
The techniques you’ve watched in my free beading tutorial video, are all very basic. So, you will have seen:
- Modified Right Angle Weave
- Peyote stitch (circular)
- Square stitch (basic)
You can find blogs teaching you all these techniques (and more) using this link. So, if you want to discover more, check it out.
If all of that still isn’t enough, and you need the detailed instructions, you can buy a copy of the PDF tutorial at this link. That gives you detailed written instructions, diagrams and close-up photos, to show the thread paths. I’ve also included a guide to the exact bead colours that I used for all the variations you see in the photo.
Projects using the flower motif
You’ve also just seen how I used my flowers. So, you might be interested in trying them out for yourself.
The simplest project to begin with, is my Paisley Duo pendant. You can use this link to get the pattern for that.
If you’re wanting a more advanced project, then have a go at the Flower Urn beaded box. It’s a lot of fun to make, and will really wow your friends! So, you can grab that pattern on my Beadflowers website, or using this link, in my Etsy store.
Your Free Beading Tutorial
Now you’re all set up, and in case you haven’t already watched this on YouTube, here is the video teaching you how to make this Paisley Duo flower motif. Enjoy!
