How to Add Beads to Cards

Adding beads to homemade cards can add a new look, just the right touch or a little extra color. Adding beads may seem a little difficult if you’ve never done it before; but it’s very simple. Read on to learn how.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Several beads (ones with larger centers are easier to work with)
• Ribbon-thin, easy-to-roll, string and wire
• Homemade card
• Tape or glue dots

How to Add Beads to Cards

1. With the card you have in the works, begin with were you would like to put your beads. Decide what type of material with which the beads will go on. By taking a little time planning on how you will put the beads on your card, you will make it easier if you need to change something before you get the beads set.

2. Put the beads onto the material you want to use. Most strings and wire are easy to put the beads onto; ribbon is a bit more tricky. It’s best to roll the ribbon width wise. Then, place the rolled ribbon through the bead. If the ribbon is too wide to go through the beads that you would like to use, you can stitch the beads onto the ribbon.

3. Once the beads are on the material you want to use, make sure the beads will stay where you want them. Most ribbons are thick enough to keep the beads in place without them moving. String or wire, a single or double knot of the sides of the beads or even a drop of glue will keep the beads in place.

4. Apply the ribbon to the card where desired. You can wrap the material used with the beads around a piece of cardstock to secure it well on the backside of the paper or secure to the front of the paper. Glue dots work well to secure ribbon in place.

5. If you want to add more beads to the card, repeat Steps 2 through 4 or finish off your card as planned.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also place beads in an acrylic pocket to make a window through the card.