On Making Miniatures

Most beaded flower artist tend to make their flowers life-size, so I thought having a “tips” post on making miniature sized flowers would be fun and different. However, I haven’t made very many miniatures myself. Most of my work tends to be on the other end of the size scale. So I contacted my friend Suzanne Steffenson (who was also my co-designer/author for Beaded Berry Collection) who specializes in making miniatures, to see if she would be willing to write up an article for your enjoyment and edification. We are very fortunate that she agreed!

Earlier this year I published a free pattern for Miniature Roses, and I’ve had so much fun seeing so many others use that pattern to make flowers. Suzanne also used that pattern, but with smaller beads. Basically, she made miniature miniature roses, and mounted them on a tiny doll sized tiara meant for a dog!

In this last picture you can see the comparison of my red miniature rose next to her miniature miniature roses. Just look at the perfect blend of colors! And the Victorian Beaded Butterfly is a wonderful touch.
She says the only alteration she made was to add an extra of the smallest petals on the inside. Bead counts and rows were the same as the original pattern, which is a rare occurrence when making miniatures.

And here are a few more samples of Suzanne’s work, all miniatures made using beads smaller than the 11/0 seed beads that we see used most often in French Beading.

And now on to the article!

​I generally go down one wire gauge when working from an 11/0 pattern to a 15/0 miniature.  I find 26 or 28 gauge wire usually works well with a basic technique, and 28 gauge for continuous loops.  30 gauge works well for fringes and lacing.  But there are exceptions to every situation. If the gauge is too heavy for the bead size, it will be difficult to get good technique, twists and wraps, and if the wire is too flimsy, your flower won’t withstand being moved or shaped. If I’m working on a flower with a lot of petals, I sometimes use a lighter gauge for the inside petals and a heavier gauge for the outside petals, just to make a sturdier flower.  Also, when working with smaller beads and smaller components, weight is not the issue it can be with bigger flowers.  I use silamide (strong, waxed beading thread) instead of wire to lash the petals together or to a stem wire.

At last, the tricky part.  The pattern you have chosen to miniaturize may include a technique that doesn’t work well with 15/0 beads.  It may be a technique for a center, sepal, stamen, or leaf.  There are some techniques, which shall remain nameless, that I don’t like to use with 15/0s.  The easiest solution is to substitute a different technique.  I call it “frankensteining” –combining a component from one pattern with a component from another pattern.  Look at the flower files on Facebook FRENCH BEADED FLOWER group (must be approved to join first, if you are not already a member) and other online resources, glean ideas from books and patterns, and ask other members of our French beaded flower community.