How to Make a Bridal Tiara from Wire and Beads
A bridal tiara may be the perfect complement to your wedding dress, but they can be expensive if purchased at a bridal boutique. Instead of adding to the expense of the wedding, make the tiara yourself. Making a tiara at home can help make your wedding day even more special.
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Things You'll Need
- 14-gauge round wire
- 18-gauge round wire
- Pliers
- Wire cutters
- Wire rounder, cup burr or needle files
- Beads
Instructions
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1
Measure the crown of your head to make the base of the tiara. Cut the 14-gauge round wire to your desired length, about 15 to 17 inches.
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2
File the ends until very smooth. Create a small decorative loop on each end of the wire. Form it into a nice round shape. If you do not have a mandrel, many household items, such as paper towels, can help you create the round shape.
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3
Arrange the design for your beads. Begin decorating the tiara by cutting about 9 inches of 18-gauge wire. Wrap the 18-gauge wire around the center base of the tiara. Trim the excess wire. Feed the beads onto the wire in your desired pattern until 5 inches of wire is covered by beads. Make a scroll at the top of the wire to hold the beads in place.
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4
Next cut two lengths of 18 gauge wire that are each about 8 inches long. Measure about 1/2 inch from the first wrapped wire. Wrap each of the two shorter wires so that one is on each side of the first wrapped wire. Feed the beads onto the wire in your desired pattern until four inches of wire is covered by beads. Make a scroll at the top of the wire to hold the beads in place.
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Cut two lengths of 18-gauge wire that is about 7 inches long. Again, measure about 1/2 inch. Wrap each of these two shorter wires so that one is on each side of the wires you last wrapped. Feed the beads onto the wire in your desired pattern until three inches of wire is covered by beads. Make a scroll at the top of the wire to hold the beads in place.
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6
Repeat this process using shorter and shorter wires until you have created a crown that is pleasing in design. In most cases, you will need 11 wrapped wires to create the crown. If you are creating a particularly large tiara or if you are using very small beads, then you will want to add wires.
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File all wire ends with a needle file to be sure there are no sharp edges.
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8
Use your pliers to tighten each of the wires once you have completed wrapping the wire. Make sure each wire is secure.
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Tips & Warnings
You can alternate short and long wires to create a tiara with a different look.
You can change the length of the wires to create a different pattern.
You can hammer the 14-gauge base wire to create a different look.
