French beadwork pieces

French beading technique of the early 1900’s is famous for its intricate patters made with small glass beads and thin wire. This method was used to produce flowers to display singly or in bouquets, specially in winter when live flowers were unavailable. There was also a custom of creating elaborate beaded wreaths for special occasions, funerals in particular, that featured the exquisitely detailed arrangements of flowers and filigree. We have a couple of these beautiful wreaths at the Cottage, aren’t they lovely?