SPARKLER DECORATIONS

You can save a few pennies at Christmas by making your own
decorations, cards, gifts, accessories, etc... and here is a project
that can be adapted as a tree decoration, a pendant, handbag charm,
a key ring, wired onto a napkin ring ... I will leave it to your unique 
imagination to embellish and decorate whatever you wish!

1.  Firstly, you need to thread some beads with wire creating links
at one end and headpins at the other.  Sparkly crystals are perfect
for this and I have also used my TWISTER beads (created out of
0.8mm/20-gauge) gold plated wire.  Follow my tutorial on 'You Tube'
to learn how to make these:
TWISTER BEAD TUTORIAL

2.  Cut a length of 0.5mm clear nylon filament (fishing line) and
thread this through the top links of your beads to suspend.

3.  Thread a 1mm crimp onto the end of the clear nylon filament
and post the other end back through the crimp, so that when both
ends are pulled in opposite directions, the threaded beads are drawn
together to form a bunch.

4.  Pull the nylon together tightly and use the tips of your chain
nosed pliers to squeeze the crimp to secure at the top of the bunch
of threaded beads.

5.  Thread a couple more beads on both projecting ends of
clear nylon filament, plus one more crimp...

6.  Squeeze the crimp flat with your chain nosed pliers to secure
 the beads in place and cut off ONE of the projecting nylon threads,
leaving only one extending at the top of the decoration.

7.  Thread this projecting nylon line with a further bead, a crimp and
some small seed beads and re-thread the end back through the crimp
to create the beaded hanger loop at the top of the decoration.

8.  Pull the end of nylon filament tightly together, so
that there are no gaps between the beads and squeeze
the crimp to secure the beaded loop at the top of your
decoration.

It's now ready to be suspended from your Christmas tree!

Experiment with your own choice of coloured, shaped and
sized beads to create decorations, jewellery designs and 
embellished accessories!

In my book: 'BEAD AND WIRE JEWELLERY FOR SPECIAL
OCCASIONS'  on pages 115-117 you will find instructions for
my 'Bead Bauble' project which is similar in technique and style.

... but as Christmas is approaching ... here are a few more
images with a Yuletide feel!

Try it with white pearls, crystals and and clear bugle beads!

... Twister beads and purple faceted beads!

Just hunt through your stash of beads 
and experiment with what you've
got to hand to add some Christmas 
sparkle to your home!

P.S. You'll find more Christmas wirework projects on
BEAD TV  such as SNOWBALL PENDANT,
CHRISTMAS WREATH BROOCH and SHOOTING
STAR PIN ...