Although our bead projects look intricate, the construction isn’t fussy. Craft wire is thin, pliable, and forgiving. Bend long strands of beads into bow shapes: Rather than tying the beaded strands as you would a shoelace, cinch a short length of strung beads around the middle of your bow loops. The wire will hold the form. We used these sweet bows to dress up gift boxes, but you can also add a simple brooch pin to the back to create a wearable gift.
by KATHY BARNES photos CARSON DOWNING projects by KIM HUTCHISON produced by JESSICA THOMAS
PHOTO: (SPINNER) BRIE GOLDMAN
There’s no need to wait for spring to fill your vases with gorgeous blooms. Craft your own floral displays using strings of beads on wire that you bend and twist into blossoms, petals, and leaves. The palette of possibilities is endless.
Show off your personality or brighten someone’s day with a customized patch embellished with love. Start with a purchased patch and stitch on beads to highlight details, as we did on the butterflies. Or create your own patches using design elements (like flowers) cut from a piece of lace that you fuse to felt. Decorate as you like with beads and embroidery floss.
Add a little bling to your place settings with artful napkin rings. We strung one color after another to get a progression of hues for the leaves. Then we twisted the fernlike fronds onto single beaded strands, wrapped them around napkins a couple of times, and gave them a final twist to create the designs. The rings share a motif, but the mix of colors delights with spring freshness. Love this idea? Use it to make wineglass charms or to embellish a pillar candle.