How to Make Carved Wooden Beads
Making your own carved wooden beads is possible, but it's a fairly labor-intensive process. Today's technology makes the mass production of beautiful wooden beads so easy that they are relatively inexpensive to buy already made. However, if you'd like to take on the challenge yourself, it can be very rewarding.
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Things You'll Need
- Twigs
- Pruning shears
- Pen knife
- Small craft drill or pin drill
- Metal file
- Fishing line
- Acrylic craft paint
- Acrylic sealant spray
Instructions
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1
Gather twigs. Twigs from fruit trees are best, although twigs from any kind of tree will do. Choose twigs less than one-half inch in diameter.
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2
Peel the bark from the twigs and use your pen knife to scrape away any remaining bark.
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3
Using your pruning shears, cut the twig into pieces the size of the beads you would like to make or a bit larger.
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4
Carefully drill the center out of each piece of wood. You will need to use the smallest drill bit you can find and do it by hand. The beads will be very delicate, so use the utmost care or the piece will break.
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5
Set the beads aside to dry for three to seven days in a dry area.
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6
When the beads are completely dry you can begin to shape them with your file, smoothing out the sharp edges and molding them into their final shape.
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7
Thread them on some fishing line for coloring. Thin some acrylic craft paint with water in a separate container and dip the string of beads in. Remove the beads from the paint and wipe away any excess.
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8
Let the beads dry and then apply a layer of sealant. You can use an acrylic sealant spray.
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9
Remove the fishing line when the beads are completely dry.
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