How do I Make Salad Servers with Wire and Beads?

Beads add pizzazz to just about anything.

Plain salad servers are just that--plain. A small investment in tools, wire and beads can transform a set of basic salad servers into attractive utensils you would be proud to use or give as a gift.

Things You'll Need

• 16-gauge wire, dead soft
• Needle-nose pliers
• Beads
• Wire cutters
• Plain salad servers

Instructions

1. 

   Wire comes in a variety of widths and colors.

   Cut 36 inches of wire. Using the round-nose pliers, form a loop at one end of the wire.

2. 

   Flat-nose pliers will help you hold the wire.

   Grasp the flat sides of the loop with the flat-nose pliers, and hold tightly. Continue winding the wire close to the loop by turning the pliers in one hand while holding the wire steady with the other hand. Wind around three to four times to form a swirl.

3. Take the swirl and place it at the neck of the salad fork where the handle meets the prongs. The tail of wire should point down the length of the handle. Hold the swirl with your thumb, and wind the wire around the back of the handle. Bring the wire back over the top, overlapping the wire at the bottom of the loop. This will anchor the wire to the salad fork. Continue to wrap the wire tightly while holding the swirl steady. Squeeze the wire on the sides of the handle while pulling the length of wire to prevent any gaps. Wrap three to four times.

4. 

   Beads make your creation unique.

   Thread a bead onto the wire. Make sure the bead is on the front of the handle. Wrap the wire tightly around the fork. Add beads periodically as you continue to wrap the wire around the handle. The wire is part of the design and will be visible in between the beads. If you want less visible wire, use more beads.

5. 

   Wire cutters snip wire cleanly.

   When you reach the bottom of the handle, turn the fork over, pass the wire under the last three wraps and pull tightly. Cut off excess wire.

6. 

   Add some character with beads and wire.

   Repeat the process with the salad spoon.

Tips & Warnings

• Stainless steel utensils are durable and inexpensive.

• Silverware with grooves or a decorative bend at the bottom of the handle will keep the wire tight.

• Leave 1 inch at the bottom of the handle so the wire will not slip off.

• Nickel silver wire blends in well with stainless steel and is inexpensive. Copper or colored artistic wire is another option. Make sure the wire is lead-free. Dead-soft wire is easier to manipulate.

• Different gauges of wire will give different design results.

• Vary your design by choosing different sizes of beads.

• Use safety glasses when working with wire.

• Light gloves can protect your fingers from cuts and abrasions.

Resources

• The Whimsie Studio: Craft Metal, Tools and Supplies
• Wire-Sculpture: Jewelry Making Supplies