How to Make Beaded Snowflake Ornaments

Beaded snowflake ornaments are an easy project that the whole family can do. Kids of all ages can help out, with parental supervision, to make beaded snowflake ornaments that are perfect for decorating a Christmas tree or giving as gifts to friends and family members.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cardboard (cereal boxes work well) Snowflake stencil (a paper one is fine) Tape Utility/craft/X-Acto knife Glue White beads Red or green ribbon Beads of any color and small portrait photos (optional)

How to Make Beaded Snowflake Ornaments

1. Place the stencil of a snowflake over the cardboard you are using to make the snowflake ornament. You can make your own stencil by folding a piece of paper into a quarter size and cutting a shape around the unconnected edges, then cutting small triangles into the edges that are connected. Open up the paper and you will have a snowflake design. Craft stores also carry pre-made stencils for snowflakes. Tape your snowflake stencil onto the cardboard piece you are using to secure it in place.

2. Cut out the cardboard in the snowflakes design by using a utility knife. These are very sharp and parents should supervise children old enough to use them or do the cutting for the child making the beaded snowflake ornament. Carve out each spot in the snowflake and use your fingers to pop out edges that may get stuck.

3. Lay the snowflake cardboard base flat and place beads on the open space. This helps to determine how many beads will be used to cover the entire area of the snowflake ornament. You can also count out how many were used to set aside that many beads for the other side of the snowflake ornament.

4. Glue the beads in place. Cover the entire area of the snowflake without covering the openings where the snowflake designs show through. After gluing each side is covered, let the beaded snowflake side dry for at least 30 minutes. Flip the snowflake over and glue beads to this side just as you did the first side. Let dry again for another 30 minutes after the last bead is glued in place.

5. Add a special element to your beaded snowflake ornaments by adding a small portrait photo in the center of the snowflake with a beaded border. Glue the photo to the beads already set and add a different colored bead around the edges of the photo. Complete the snowflake ornament by adding a red or green ribbon to the top, so it can easily be hung on a Christmas tree. Let the snowflake sit overnight on a flat surface before tying it to a Christmas tree.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the glue is thoroughly dry before hanging the snowflake.

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[goldiec]

on 11/21/2009 Thanks for the great tips on how to Make Beaded Snowflake Ornaments! 5*