Holiday poinsettia

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This poinsettia assumes knowledge of basicwireworking techniques, as well as twisting wire andcoiling wire around a mandrel, and is constructed inthree sections. First is the inner row of petals, using20g wire. The middle row uses two lengths of 24g wiretwisted together. The outermost layer of leaves, usingcoiled wire, is 28g wire coiled over the 20g wire. Thecenter is made by adding the crystals using freeformwirework. Finish it by stringing on a length of ribbonand a waxed cord. This flower is from a challengeconducted by beadingforum.com.au.

by Robyn WilsonA festive flower with fiery crystals.

Holiday Poinsettia Pendant

MATERIALS: 20-gauge soft round copper wire24-gauge soft round copper wire28-gauge soft round copper wire4mm Crystallized™ Swarovski Elements Fire

Opal bicones, 20Waxed cordRibbon Clasp

TOOLS:Stepped mandrelChain nose pliersRound nose pliersFlat nose pliersFlush cuttersPin visePencil or small dowel

TECHNIQUES:Wirework, coiling, beads and wire.

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Copyright Interweave Not to be reprinted. All rights reserved.

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TIPS:Do not cut any tails of wire prior to thecompletion of the flower. They will be usedin later steps. If they are getting in the way,just form each tail into a loose bundle.If you need to attach more 28g wire, do it atthe base of the leaves, where it will behidden.

Step 1: Flush cut and straighten approximately 20" of20g wire. Using the tips of the round nosepliers, turn a P-shaped loop on one end. Usingthe 6mm step on the mandrel, form the topcurve of the petal. Use the tips of the roundnose pliers to form a curve at the base. Createseven petals. Tuck the tail through the P-shaped loop. Using your fingers, manipulate itinto a circle to form the basic shape, and closethe loop tightly over the tail. Leave the tailuncut.

Step 2: Hold the shape in your non-dominant handwith your thumb over the center. Use roundnose pliers to create a little tip at the tops ofthe petals by pressing down with the outer jaw.Reinsert the pliers on the other side of thepetal, and repeat. Use the mandrel or pliers toreshape the petals if necessary. Leave a circleopen in the center, and gently curve the petalsforward.

Step 3: Cut approximately 28" of 24g wire, fold in half,and twist using a pin vise. Trim off thehardened end on one side of the wire, leavingthe loop at the other end. Starting from thelooped end, and using the next step on themandrel, repeat Steps 1-2 with the twistedwire to form the second flower. Trim the tail,secure it, and tuck it in neatly.

Step 4: Place the first flower on top of the twisted one,and using 28g wire, weave the two rowstogether, again leaving a center circle. Reshapethe petals if necessary, and tilt them upslightly.


Copyright Interweave. Not to be reprinted. All rights reserved.

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Step 5: Cut approximately 24" of 20g wire, and make aP-shaped loop on one end. Use your fingers toshape leaves gently around a pencil or smalldowel. Form the leaves more loosely and in arounder shape than the petals. Coil the 28gwire over this shape. You may need to reshapethe leaves as you go. Slide the tail of the corewire through the P-shaped loop, and secure itusing the tail of the coiling wire. There shouldbe a tail of at least 6".

Step 6: Nestle the petals in front of the leaves and,using your fingers, form them into a flowershape with all three elements nested together.While holding the layers together in your non-dominant hand, using your thumb to keep thelayers in place, use the tail of the 28g coilingwire to secure the leaves in place. Trim the tailand tuck the end in neatly.

Step 7: Cut a 24" length of 28g wire, fold it in half,and slip it through center edge of the flower.Pull firmly to anchor it, and wrap around thecenter circle of the flower. Repeat, going in theopposite direction. Make sure that all the layersare wrapped securely.



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Step 8: Using the tails of the 28g wire, add the 4mmcrystals to fill in the center of the flower in afreeform manner. Add more 28g wire as neededto fill in the center.

Step 9: Turn the pendant over. Using the tail of the 20gwire from Step 1, straighten and coil it with the24g wire. Do not trim this wire. Using yourfingers or round nose pliers, shape the coiledwire into a bail, and secure it by twisting the20g wire around the base of the bail. Do nottrim the wire. You should have two tails of 20gwire, and one of 24g wire.

Step 10: Using the tail of 20g wire from Step 1, form aspiral to neaten the back of the flower. Spiralthe end of the 24g, and the other 20g to coverthe base of the bail. Attach the pendant to aribbon-and-cord necklace, and attach a claspon the ends.

ROBYN WILSON lives in Melbourne,Australia with herhusband, two cats, and anadopted greyhound. Shetook up jewelry making intwo years ago and ismostly self-taught, whilealso taking workshops atVine Creations. Robynenjoys working with metalin most forms, and alsochain maille.



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Holiday poinsettia