Botanicals ~ Beautiful Flowers!

Lampwork Beads
Botanical Floral Series

When we purchased our home in 2002, one of the requests I made to my husband Nick was to have either plum (ume) or cherry (sakura) blossom trees planted in the front garden. Not to disappoint, we planted two plum blossom trees. Although the trees are still quite young, this Spring (May 2009) they blossomed beautifully (see above left). Can you see above why I love plum and cherry blossoms? They are stupendously gorgeous.

The Chinese view the plum blossoms as both a symbol of winter as well as a harbinger of spring. Because the tree blossoms in the winter in China, it also serves as an example of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. The Japanese, on the other hand, believes the plum blossom “Ume” as a protective charm against evil and traditionally plant the tree in the north-east part of the garden, from the direction where evil is believed to travel. Interesting tidbits of info...

Above right is a sample photo of the first batch of plum/cherry blossom inspired Botanicals. The floral shaping is inspired by the blossoms from my tree, but since I love to play with color and I know beaders like me do as well,  I've since created these Botanicals in a myriad of colors. The photo only shows a smidgen of available colors.  As colors become standardize, I will add them to the catalog below.  From time to time, there will also be limited colors made with rare production glass from my vault.  Once limited colors sell out there will be no way of making more of that color combination.  You will note them below as "Limited Production".

I like to use a 6mm margarita crystal in the center for a hint of sparkle.  These flowers can be used in many designs and mediums - from hairpins, brooches, rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces to whatever your imagination takes you so don't limit yourself.  You can mix and match between colors to get the maximum discount, so go ahead splurge and have some designing fun!!  Check out the free tutorial on my blog for the "Under 15 minute Botanical Silk Corsage Bracelet.