How to Make Beaded Ornaments

Beaded Christmas ornaments

Beaded ornaments can be created for many occasions and holidays as part of the celebration process. They can also be created to use as gift tags, writing on the back "To" and "From." Both children and adults can take part in this project.

Things You'll Need

• Small plain wood ornaments in assorted designs
• Gold cord--5 inches long
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Assorted small beads
• White glue
• Markers

Instructions

1. 

   With a hot glue gun, attach a gold cord for hanging near the top on the back of each ornament. Let cool.

2. Lay the ornament on a work table, front side up. Working on small areas at a time, apply white glue to the wood ornament and drop small beads in desired colors onto the glue. Press gently with a finger to secure the beads. Continue working on remaining areas of the ornament, adding a few beads at a time and pressing down to secure. Let dry.

3. Proceed to the next ornament and decorate with beads as in Step 2. If necessary, after the first ornaments have dried, add more glue and more beads to fill any spaces or to build up the layer of beads on the ornament.

4. When the ornaments have thoroughly dried (usually a few hours), write the date and the name of the crafter on the back.

Tips & Warnings

• Plain wood ornaments, ready to decorate, are available at craft shops. If desired, they can also be cut from small pieces of mat board. If preferred, hot glue can also be used in place of white glue.

• An adult should handle the hot glue gun if a child is participating in this project.