Second Attempt -- Pin-Curl Clips
Besides choosing smaller clips, I also chose to make a single crocheted leaf using Size 3 crochet thread on a D crochet hook. I added definition to the leaf by using the color turquoise for the center vein (beginning chain) and sage for the body. Hook Size: The 0 size hook compressed the stitches too much making the difference between a double-crochet and a single-crochet invisible. The D crochet hook, while still small, creates looser stitches so that the leaf is fuller. Lesson: Do test leaves in several different size hooks.
Tails: Leave a long beginning tail which will sew the leaf to the clip, and an ending tail at least twice the length of the leaf. You might want to also add a bit of "stem" with a Chain 2, when you've finished the leaf. You can make the center vein stand out by running the end tail back through those center stitches before hot gluing the leaf to the clip. Lesson: Sometimes it's actually worth it to weave in more than one tail.
It would also be possible to thread beads on that center vein enhancement as you go. Lesson: When using more than one color of thread, be careful how you weave in the ends. You can see a couple of sloppy mistakes in these pictures.
Clip Size: This smaller clip is much more attractive and I will wear it in public. If you do use the larger sectioning clip, I would suggest that you make several single leaves instead of the leaf chain. If I try it again I'll overlap them at a 30-35 degree angles during the gluing process. More of a laurel leaf crown sort of thing. Lesson: Yes, the gluing process is necessary, if only to hold that stupid leaf in one place while you're sewing it down. And yes, it DID occur to me that these leaves would make a wonderful Casual Tiara. Perhaps in black?
