Photo 20

Since we’re now into the Christmas season I thought a ornament for your tree might make a nice project.  I’ve sized this one so if you make two or more you can put a jump ring and chain on one and wear it for a festive pendant.

Supplies:

One piece of 21ga square wire 7” long

One piece of 21ga half round half hard about 3” long

One strand of 30ga round wire about 1 foot long

22 - 4mm beads of your choice.  I used a combination of Red and Crystal faceted glass beads for this project.

The wire I used is copper but you may like to use silver, gold or a colored craft wire.  The main tree form doesn’t have to be square wire.

Tools:

Flush cutter

Flat nose pliers

Round nose pliers

Ruler and fine tip pen (not shown)

Step 1:

Lay your ruler flat on your workspace and measure your 7” wire to about half way or 3 ½” .  Mark and bend your wire at this point so you have a V shape piece.

Step 2:

Now measure down 2”,  mark and make another bend inward towards the opposite side.

Step 3:

Simply repeat step 2 for the other side

This is what your ornament should look like at this point.

Step 4:

Lay your piece next to your ruler.  Your bottom corners should be 2” apart.  Mark across both wire tails in the center with the fine tip pen as shown by the arrow.

Step 5:

Now we’re ready to form the trunk.  Place your flat nose pliers next to your mark as shown and bend downwards to about a 45 degree angle.

Step 6:

Repeat step 5 for the other side.  Make sure these ends fit together nicely as shown.  If one side is a tad longer than the other clip the excess with your flush cutter.

Step 7:

Now take your half round wire and wrap your tree trunk.

Step 8:

Make about 10 wraps.  You want to leave approximately 1/4 to 3/8 unwrapped.  Take and spread these wires out just enough to be able to make your bottom curls. 

Step 9:

Use the tip of your round nose pliers to curl these ends up towards your tree trunk.

OK, your tree base is now complete and it’s time to add your beads.

Step 10:

Take your 30ga wire and attach by making a couple of wraps at the top of your trunk then bring the long side up and towards the left side.  You’re ready to string on some beads.

Step 11:

Slip on five colorful beads.  Wrap your wire end around the side a couple of times.  Try and keep the beads as close to this side as you can to eliminate gaps.

Step 12:

Now add 8 beads, bring over to the opposite side and wrap your wire tail around the tree frame a couple of times.

Add 4 more beads, wrap wire around left side twice then add 2 more beads and wrap twice around the right side.  Do not clip this tail yet.

Step 13:

Take that tail and simple wrap around your tree frame 9 or 10 more times.  Clip and snug the end on the back side.  Be sure you clip the starting tail and snug that on the back side as well.

Step 14:

Take about 3” of the 30ga wire and string on three more beads.

Step 15:

Attach this piece to that bare corner over on the right side.  Attach to the side and bottom of your tree frame making a nice gentle little curve.  Wrap those ends three or four times, clip excess wire and snug the ends on the back side.  Of course you may add as many more beaded wires as you like for a personal touch.

Add an ornament hook and you’re done.  Simply hang on your tree for a nifty little handmade touch.

This project is so easy you can make adjustments and make it as large or small as you like.  From the top of the tree to the bottom of the trunk is just about 2 1/8” so if you like large earrings just make a pair and add ear wires. 

You can even make a wall hanging or door decoration using this pattern.  Just remember you will need heavier gauge wire and larger beads with holes to accommodate the wire thickness.

Have lots of fun but most of all have a safe and wonderful Holiday Season!