The history behind the iconic Russian Leaf design
The Russian leaf beadwork technique has a fascinating history and has become a valued part of the world of beadwork and jewelry making. The technique was originally developed in Russia and has a significant heritage in the craft.
The name "Russian leaf" refers to the shape of the pattern, which resembles a leaf, and the technique uses small seed beads to create this distinctive pattern. A distinctive feature of the Russian leaf technique is the use of different sizes and colors of beads that work together to create depth and texture.
Historically, the Russian leaf technique was used to create beautiful and detailed decorations on clothing, especially on traditional Russian costumes. It was not only an artistic expression, but also a way to convey cultural symbols and identity through handmade pieces.
Today, the Russian leaf technique continues to be popular among beadwork enthusiasts and jewelry makers. This technique is used to create everything from beautiful earrings and pendants to more complex jewelry pieces like necklaces and bracelets. The aesthetic beauty and precise technique behind Russian leaf makes it a beloved and respected part of the beadwork world and craft traditions.
Russian Leaf Earring with Long Earwire
In this blog post, we present the elegant "Russian leaf" pendants, which are sewn by hand with Delica seed beads. We use the well-known Peyote Stitch technique, which has also been reviewed in the previous blog post Peyote jewelry with Delica in combination with seed beads size # 11, but there is nothing in the way of using other sizes, as the technique is equally suitable.
We used the following DIY components to make these earrings:
- 1 pair of long earwires with loop, gold-plated sterling silver
- Delica beads, curry size #11
- Delica beads, turquoise/blue, picasso size #11
- Delica beads, navy size #11
- Delica beads, 24 carat gold-plated size #11
- approx. 2 x 1m FireLine, 8 LB, black
(alternatively FireLine 6LB)
Note you will find Smyks' entire selection of size #11 Delica beads here
First, you string a stopper bead. You can use any bead for this purpose. Place the bead in the middle of the thread and pull the thread through the bead one more time from the other side.
The stopper bead will be removed, once it is not needed any more.
Tighten the thread ... The stopper bead has to be placed in the middle of the thread because the two sides of the leaf are sewn individually.
Thread 12 beads, in the order shown in the picture starting with 1 golden bead.
Sew back through the 4. bead.
Tighten the thread...
Now, you sew the beads on one by one applying the peyote stitch. Thread a blue bead ... skip one bead ... and sew through the next one.
Thread a turquoise bead ... skip one ... and sew through the bead next to it.
Repeat this procedure ...
When the last bead in this row is fastened, you sew through the first golden bead.
Thread a yellow bead and sew back through the last yellow bead.
Thread a turquoise bead and sew through the next turquoise bead which "sticks out".
Sew the next turquoise bead on in the same way ...
.... and the next blue bead....
Then you turn your work and sew backwards. String 1 golden and 1 blue bead and sew through the first blue bead that sticks out.
Every time you turn your work at the bottom of the leaf, you thread 2 beads.
Continue in the same way with the peyote stitch adding one bead at a time.
... and one more bead ...
... and the last bead in this row.
Now you turn your work again. String 3 beads (1 yellow + 1 golden + 1 yellow) and sew back through the first yellow bead - top down.
Tighten the tread. Each time you turn your work at the top of the leaf, you string 3 beads.
Continue sewing in the same way ... add a bead at a time and sew through the bead that sticks out.
Stop at the bottom of the leaf at the last blue bead that sticks out, string 2 beads and sew back.
Continue sewing back and forth in the same way until there are 9 golden beads on each side.
Remove the stopper bead ... and turn your work. Now you are going to sew the other side of the leaf.
Thread 1 yellow bead and sew back through the first yellow bead.
Continue in the same way adding one bead at a time.
Turn your work when you reach the bottom, as you did earlier.
Continue sewing the rows back and forth in the same way.
When the opposite side of the leaf is finished with 9 golden beads on each of the edges, you sew through random beads so the thread comes out of the upper yellow bead.
String 2 yellow beads and sew through the upper yellow bead on the opposite side of the leaf.
If the leaf has to be tautened, you can sew all the way back through the inner yellow row to tighten the leaf.
The other thread end can be sewn through the outer blue row for the same purpose.
Then you sew the threads up through 4-5 random beads before you cut them.
Finally, you open the loop of the earwire carefully, insert the leaf ... and close the loop again.
Russian Leaf with Earthread
We used the following DIY components to make these earrings:
- 1 pair of earthreads with peg and loop, cable chain, 8cm
- Delica beads, dark grey
- Delica beads, dark brown iridescent
- Delica beads, light beige
- Delica beads, 24 carat gold-plated, hexagonal
- approx. 2 x 1m FireLine, 8 LB, black
(alternatively FireLine 6LB)
This leaf is made in the same way as described above. But here we only used one golden bead to connect the two sides of the leaf.
Then we sewed another golden bead on top of the other, opened the loop of the earthread, inserted the upper golden bead ... and closed the loop again carefully.
Russian Leaf with Earwire and Chain
We used the following DIY components to make these earrings:
- 1 pair of earwires with cable chain, gold-plated silver
- Delica beads, melon
- Delica beads, bordeaux
- Delica beads, coral, matte
- Delica beads, 24 carat gold-plated
- approx. 2 x 1m FireLine, 8 LB, black
(alternatively FireLine 6LB)
The procedure is the same as described in the fist example. Open the loop of the earwire carefully, insert the leaf ... and close the loop again.
Russian Leaf single-coloured & gilt-edged
We used the following DIY components to make these earrings:
- 1 pair of earwires, standard, with ball, gold-plated sterling silver
- Delica beads, banana yellow or
- Delica beads, purple
- approx. 2 x 1m FireLine, 8 LB, black
(alternatively FireLine 6LB)
The procedure is the same as described in the fist example. Use the golden beads for the inner row and the edges.
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