3.12 Chanhua Connected Leaf

1. Prepare velvet or silk threads, three pieces of 0.4mm copper wire about 12cm long, and leaf templates. Arrange the templates in the leaf shape. Here, the four parts of the leaf template are called Leaf 1, 2, 3, and 4 from left to right.

2. Take the rightmost Leaf 4. Place it against the copper wire and hold it tightly.

3. Use silk thread to wrap this leaf completely.

4. After wrapping, wrap the thread around the copper wire for about 4mm more. Then add Leaf 3. Align the tip of Leaf 3 with the copper wire. First, wrap the half of the template that is next to Leaf 4.

5. After wrapping, turn the leaf over to the back side. Continue wrapping just the copper wire on the back until you reach the pointed corner at the bottom of the leaf.

6. Add the second piece of copper wire. Wrap the thread back a short distance to secure it, then turn back to the front side.

7. Continue wrapping the thread back towards the leaf tip until you reach the point where the leaf splits. Keep the thread neat so it connects smoothly with the part already wrapped. After reaching the split point, pull the second copper wire you just added to the back of the other half of the template that is not yet wrapped.

8. Smooth the thread. After wrapping the other half of the split leaf, wrap the thread around the copper wire at the tip for about 4mm more.

9. Add Leaf 2. Use the same wrapping method as for Leaf 3 to finish this leaf.

10. After wrapping Leaves 2, 3, and 4, add Leaf 1 and wrap it completely.

11. Bring all the copper wires at the bottom of the leaf together. Wrap the thread around them to secure.

12. Wrap the thread around the copper wires to a suitable length. Finish off as usual and cut off any extra thread.

13. Use pliers to pinch the tip of the leaf, pressing the parts together.

14. Your connected leaf is now complete.