Beading for beginners

I have been getting requests on how to make these napkin rings. So I have decided to start with probably the simplest design - the spiral beaded napkin rings. These are fun to make since we will be using a lot of beads. And it is up to your own imagination and creativity in deciding which type, and sizes of beads, and color or combination of colors to be used.

I am using plastic beads this time to show how even the least expensive of beads can be made into a pretty stunning napkin ring.

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Materials you will need:

Beads, Thick Wire (about 1.2mm gauge), Headpins (x2)

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Tools:

Round-nose pliers, Flat-nose pliers, Tube shaped object

Step 1: Wrap the thick wire around the tube several times to create a spiral. Remove the wire carefully without pulling it out of shape.

Step 2: By using the round-nose pliers, bend one end of the wire into a small loop.

Step 3: Insert or thread the beads on to the spiral wire.

Step 4: Once all beads are threaded, make a similar loop at the end of the wire.

Step 5:

(This is a tricky step and can be skipped. If this step is skipped, then just use the flat nose pliers to pinch the end loops down so they stay somewhat hidden from view.)

Time to dangle some beads on the end loops. To do this:

a) Slide a bead onto a headpin and with a round-nose pliers firmly grasping the wire just above the bead (this is called the neck), bend the wire down to a sharp angle

b) Slide the headpin through one of the loops of the napkin ring

c) Use the round-nose pliers to grasp firmly at wire just above the bead and hold the tail wire with a flat-nose pliers and create create a loop by wrapping it around tip of the round-nose pliers then slowly wrap the wire around the neck of the headpin several times

d) Cut the rest of the tail wire

And voila! Your very own simple but yet elegant little napkin ring. I hope this tutorial has been useful to you. Please drop your comments, I would love to hear from you :)

Here"s some pictures of my 3.5yo son making his napkin rings while I was preparing this tutorial. Yup, it"s that easy to make :)

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