How to Make a Large Wire Flower

Many, many moons ago someone really special gave me an exquisite hand-crafted silver flower brooch similar to this one.  I would find any excuse to wear it and then life changed and it when I discovered it tucked away in my jewelry box the other day, I just knew I had to try and recreate something similar on a bigger scale, which is how this large wire flower came into being.

 

Just to put things into perspective, that wire flower is bigger than my hand and is super easy to make too.

 

It adds a touch of simple drama and elegance to our decor and is perfect for this month’s “Wired” Int’l Blogger’s Club challenge. You’ll be able to see a whole bunch of other wire projects at the end of this tutorial. So make sure you stick around. I promise it’s worth it.

 

Right, before we get to the large wire flower tutorial, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And hit that “subscribe” button so you’ll never miss a post!

What you need

• Wire (18 gauge and 12 gauge)
• Wire mesh screen
• 3 Small filigree skeleton leaves
• 3 Large filigree skeleton leaves
• 5 round glass beads
• 5 small silver beads
• Large filigree oval bead
• Bead spacers

 

How to make a large wire flower

The large wire flower is made in three layers:

• The inside center layer
• Middle layer with filigree skeleton leaves
• Outer wire mesh petal layer

Feel free to add more layers for a fuller effect. I wanted to showcase the beauty of the filigree leaves and the almost rustic beauty of the wire mesh, so kept it simple. 

 

Inside Center – Stamens and Pistils

To make the large wire flowers I started with the center bit. Cut the thinner 18 gauge wire into 10 cm (4″) pieces. Using your needle nose pliers, make a small loop on one end.

 

Bend the loop downwards and slip a small silver bead onto the wire. Add a glass bead and secure it in place with a spacer. Make 5 stamens.

 

 

To join the stamens together I used an oval bead with holes. If your filigree oval bead has a loop for hanging, cut it off with small wire cutters first.

 

 

Slide the non-beaded ends of the wire into the filigree oval bead. Arrange the wires so they’re at different heights and twist the ends together to secure.

 

Middle Layer – Filigree Petals

Next up, the middle layer which consists of 6 filigree leaves, 3 large and 3 medium. Gently bend the leaves so they curl inwards.

 

Place your thumb on the little leaf and using needle-nose pliers, bend the loop downwards. 

 

Bending the loop, makes it fit snug against the center layer.

 

Put the bent leaves to one side, while you move on to the last layer.

 

Outer Layer – Wire Mesh Petals

To make the outer layer I used a very fine wire mesh. I have no idea why it’s in my craft cupboard, but apparently, it’s used to filter stuff. Well, that’s what the hubby says, and he knows these things. Cut the mesh into rectangles that are at least twice as wide as your large filigree leaves are long, and two and a half times the length. My leaves are about 7 cm (2.7″) long, so I cut mesh five rectangles that are 14 cm high x 17.5 cm (5.5″ x 6.8″) wide.

 

Take the edges of the rectangle and fold them inwards towards one point.

 

Bend and shape the wire mesh into a leaf form.

 

Right, that’s all the layers done. Time to put this large wire flower together 😀

Putting everything together

Using a pencil bend the 12-gauge wire once around to form a ring. String the filigree skeleton leaves onto the wire alternating between the large and small leaves. Just make sure they’re all curving towards each other.

 

You could also add the leaves to a jump ring, but I couldn’t find mine. Adjust the size of the ring so it fits snugly around the bottom of the large oval bead.

 

Trim away any excess wire.

 

Place the five, wire mesh petals around the filigree leaves and secure them with the thinner 18-gauge wire.

 

Cut two pieces of the thicker 12-gauge wire and insert it in between the bottom bits of the mesh petals to make a stalk.

 

Wrap some of the thinner wire around the bottom of the mesh petals and all the way down the stalk to secure. Pop the large wire flower into a vase and you’re all done.

 

I put mine into a beer bottle that’s been covered with a rough charcoal ash texture paste.

 

The wire flower can be used inside or outside in a protected spot.

 

This one is standing on a weathered table where it can catch the morning sun. I love the cast shadows of those mesh and filigree petals.

 

They’re so dramatic.

 

 

Those wire mesh petals frame the inner filigree petals beautifully.

 

And when the light is just right, the beaded stamens sparkle like little diamonds.

 

What do you think? Would you make an oversized wire flower to add to your decor?

If you like the idea of making a large wire flower, don’t forget to pin the tutorial for later.

 

Sharing is caring

 

Wanna see what my friends from the IBC did with their “Wired” challenge?

 

1. Anita shared another Unique Creation. I would love one of these wind spinners for our garden.
2. Sara from Birdz of a Feather made a gorgeous air plant holder that’s not only functional but eye-catching too.
3. A large wire flower by yours truly.

Oh and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered. Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us make more amazing crafts to share with you 😉

And if you prefer to buy rather than DIY, then maybe these beauties will appeal.

And as always, wishing you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit.