Learn French Beading
French Beading Tutorials! Learn the art with designer Lauren Harpster.
Through my years of trying to help others learn how to make French Beaded Flowers, I’ve developed a way of looking at techniques that’s a little bit different than other designers and teachers. I’ve divided techniques into two basic categories: Base and Add-on techniques. Base techniques can be used by themselves, or you can use add-on techniques to build on top of the bases to make new shapes. In contrast, add-on techniques cannot be used alone, but must be used in conjunction with a base – any base! It is my hope that this approach will allow for a greater understanding of French Beading methods, and how you can mix and match different techniques to make a variety of shape combinations. I’ve divided the techniques into three Courses (Beginner, Intermediate, & Advanced) based on the skill level and knowledge required to use them.
>> Download a PDF Glossary of French Beading Terms here. <<
>> Download a PDF for the abbreviations I use in my patterns here. <<
- Beginner Course -
My Learn French Beading: Beginner Course is all about building foundations in the art.
Free Version:
- PDF Beginner Course Technique Packet (download free in shop) – The freebie version teaches about wire, beads, tools, materials, and the beginner techniques.
- Technique Videos
- Videos for 4 practice flower patterns
If you purchase the Book or Full Course PDF:
- Everything in the Free version.
- Written and picture instructions for the four Practice Flower Patterns
- Learn how to read patterns.
- Learn how to assemble a bouquet.
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Getting Started & Techniques
Beginner Course Practice Flower Videos
Dame's Rocket Part 1: Stamen & Flowers
Dame's Rocket Part 2: Leaves
Dame's Rocket Part 3: Assembly
Wild Clematis Part 1: Stamen & Petals
Wild Clematis Part 2: Leaves
Wild Clematis Part 3: Assembly
Black-Eyed Susan Part 1: Stamen
Black-Eyed Susan Part 2: Bud & Flower Petals
Black-Eyed Susan Part 3: Sepals & Leaves
Black-Eyed Susan Part 4: Assembly
- Intermediate Course -
My Learn French Beading: Intermediate Course introduces a couple of modified Base Techniques, along with some Add-on techniques that are built on top of Base Techniques. You will need to complete the Beginner Course before moving on to the Intermediate Course as it builds on previous knowledge.
You can view the lessons by clicking on the links below. I do not yet have videos for all of these techniques.
- Advanced Course -
My Advanced Course will teach some Base and Add-on techniques that I consider to be a little trickier to master, along with some advanced variations of techniques from the Beginner and Intermediate Courses. This one is still under construction. Be sure to check back for new technique tutorials, or sign up for my Newsletter to get an email notification when new tutorials are available.
These lessons are available as free PDFs in my shop.
- Extra Techniques and Skills -
- Helpful Blog Posts -
A ever-expanding collection of blog posts with tips, helps, tutorials, and fun experiments.
- Flower Patterns -
Once you are comfortable with the techniques, try some of my French Beaded Flower patterns! Some of the patterns are free and others are paid. The free flower patterns are generally designed with beginners in mind, while the paid patterns have a range of difficulty from beginner to advanced.