Design Tip

Design Tip Achives:
Wedding Cake Beads, Rainbow of Colors, Focal Beads, Leaf Beads Part 1, Leaf Beads Part 2, Earth Tones

Create Special Ornaments With Beads
By Bethany W. Keiper

"...And there was the lighted Christmas tree, come into its own at last: a shimmering mirage, a tree of paradise, a pyramid of jewels." -- Elizabeth Enright

Nothing sets a festive holiday mood quite like a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Whether its boughs are laden with long-treasured family ornaments or brand-new decorations, the shine of ornaments, tinsel and lights combine to add a special glow to the holidays.

This festive glow can also be found in holiday jewelry designs. But for a different twist, try crafting glass beads into small ornaments for miniature trees. Many people enjoy the small artificial trees, since they can add a touch of cheer to areas that are too small or too busy for a larger tree.

Just like larger ornament sets, the bead ornaments you make can follow special color schemes or different themes. Select a group of beads for your set, get busy designing ornaments on headpins and turning loops or stringing the beads for garland, and let your imagination lead you. A set of tiny ornaments, would make a memorable gift.

White or crystal ornaments provide a "winter wonderland" effect against the dark green of a miniature tree. Choose beads with a frosty matte finish or a pearly gleam. Pretty blue beads also echo the winter sentiment, and blue decorations look especially striking on a tiny white tree.

White trees also look beautiful with pale pink or bright fuchsia ornaments. Pinks are very Victorian, with a sweet, almost candy-like effect. A shining pink polka-dot bead would make a wonderful "sugarplum" ornament. Other pretty choices might be heart-shaped beads with swirls of gold and garlands of pink pearl beads.

A nature or pet lover's mini ornament set can come alive with lampwork flowers, Czech stars, plain and fancy glass fish, and pressed glass cats and butterflies.

Purists will always prefer red and green, so try designing red and green garland with beads of interesting shapes. This garland will be equally beautiful on a miniature tree or around a wrist, neck or ankle.

Whatever your theme, gold and silver are always great holiday colors; red, green, blue and topaz druks are a must; and glass star beads of all colors, sizes and finishes add a perfect touch.

Get creative for your miniature tree-topper... experiment with different looks by threading beads onto flexible gold or silver wire and twisting and curling until you have the perfect star or dove.

Editor's Note: I love this cat in a hat tree topper that Bethany made.

Multi-bead charms are great for the season, whether you use them as decorations or jewelry.

A flat disk bead, a tube bead, and a teardrop or facetted gold bead combined make a pretty candle charm.

Since you are using beads for ornaments, how about using ornaments for beads? Check out the mini ornament section of your favorite store for ready-made charms for necklaces or earrings.

Whether they are the 'bottle brush' variety or made of glitter-covered wire, miniature trees make wonderful displays for your holiday jewelry creations.

Happy Holidays!

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