For a hands on holiday project that you can do with the kids, try making these easy, decorative jewelry pieces to keep or give away.
The items needed for this project can be obtained from your local craft shops. No experience in craft making is necessary to have a great final product.
What you’ll need:
- Stringing elastic cords (1mm width)
- Green, red and gold craft Tri-Beads – (jewel not matte colors)
- 1/8 inch (3mm) width ribbon in red and/or gold
- Craft glue
- 1 gold pin back (1" long)
Step by Step Directions
- Measure and cut approximately 5 1/2 inches of the elastic cord per wreath. Tie a knot at one end to secure the beads.
- Using the knotted end as the base, begin stringing the green beads, adding the accent colors as desired. The tri beads should fit together securely and without gaps. There should be approximately 35 beads for a wreath measuring just under 2".
- After all beads are strung in the desired pattern, tie the ends of the elastic cord together. Make sure to pull tightly and stretch the elastic cord which in turn will tighten the circle of beads. There should be plenty of excess cord when pulled taunt. The tighter the elastic is stretched, the more taunt the circle of beads becomes, making for a firmer wreath which is the desired result.
- Double knot the cord. There should be about an inch or so excess cord above the knot.
- Cut the excess down to 1/4 inch and tuck each piece backwards under the beads. Be careful not to cut the excess too short. Cutting too close to the knot will leave a short exposed stub which will be difficult to tuck under the beads and it will also fray.
- Work the beads over the knot to have one smooth, tight circle of beads which is the foundation of the wreath.
- To add the bow, cut approximately 2" of the preferred color for the ribbon. Tie one simple knot in the middle and trim the sides with clean diagonal cuts.
- Glue the trimmed bow to wreath establishing it as the front.
- Secure the pin back on the opposite side from the bow with the craft glue and let set.
Good for Gift Giving
Kids can help string and design each wreath, but they will probably need help tying the cord and glueing the pin backing. The end result makes for good holiday gifts that kids can give to their teachers or babysitters. It also makes for a great festive addition to gifts, Santa hats and other holiday gear.
Kids can also string beads on longer elastic cords to make bracelets to keep or give away. The beads come in a variety of jeweled colors, so the designs for the bracelets are unlimited.
Also have fun with no bake Christmas Wreath Cookies
The copyright of the article Christmas Wreath Pins in Crafts is owned by Nina Guilbeau. Permission to republish Christmas Wreath Pins in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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