French-Beaded Flowers by Dalene Kelly
 ISBN 0-87349-357-5, Softbound, 95 pgs, $18.95US, Krause Publications, 700 East State Street, Iola, WI 54990-0001, 715-445-2214, www.krause.com

French-Beaded Flowers begins with a table of contents set between lovely photos of beaded flowers. A materials list is provided along with seed beads and wire sizes for 42 patterns.  Step-by-step illustrations and techniques follow for making the basic floral shapes.  Each project that follows includes a materials list, assembly instructions and illustrations.

The Snapdragons are just yummy, the bleeding hearts sweet and the gladiola’s elegant.  The Tiger Lily’s are outstanding in red with a contrast bead color dotted among the red beads resulting in a pleasing finish.  The hanging Fuchsia would look wonderful in a window or a hanging vase.   The Dutchman’s Breeches looks like little butterflies or birds setting on a limb and the blue Hydrangea’s are adorable.

The Dwarf Apple Blossoms could be worked onto an armature that is shaped like a miniature tree.  The cactus gains realism with the use of wire in the cactus base and the planter the base sets in.  The Spider Lily is enhanced by the addition of an attractive wooden vase and tree limbs.

Many of the flowers can be added as decorations to other items.  Color photographs are included with ideas and instructions on how to make corsages, barrettes and napkins rings and embellish them with beaded wire flowers.