The actual question I received from Lynne Irelan was about designing a holly leaf, but this technique should work with any type of leaf. Some shapes will lend themselves better to flat peyote stitch and others may work better with square stitch or brick stitch. If a shape just won't work in a particular stitch, give a different stitch a try!
• First, go to our website home page and download some free peyote stitch graph paper.
• Next, find a photo of your desired leaf, place it on the graph paper, trace the leaf (you can also sketch the leaf freehand), then fill in the graph with colored pencils. Since St. Patrick's day is just around the corner, I thought I'd try my
hand at sketching out a clover leaf, and incorporating it into an
earring.
Depending on the size of beads you use, you may have some adjusting to do. It is best to make one to see how the beads you are using work, and then tweak the rows and stitches as needed. You'll most likely be using even and odd-count turns as well as increases or decreases at the beginning and end of the rows to create the edge of the leaf, so having a good working knowledge of peyote stitch is very helpful. If you need a bit of practice in this area, look for the June 2011 issue of Bead&Button, available May 1, 2011. Stitch workshop will be all about working those pesky turns, showing you how to shape your flat peyote stitch beadwork.
Thinking back to the holly leaf, I bet if you used larger beads like 8/0
or 11/0 seed beads down the middle of the leaf, then switch to 11/0s or
15/0s near the edges, it would give your leaf the natural curvy look of
holly leaves.
For a peek at some fun poison ivy leaves, check out Linda Frechen's Leafy Inspirations bracelet from our August 2007 issue.
Finally, I designed a piece for the Bead&Button Favorites special issue that will be available in June, 2011, that has peyote components, including two cute leaves – be sure to check it out when the issue hits the newsstand.
I'd love to see photos of any leaves you have made in the past or any you may try using this technique. Feel free to post them!