How to Make a Celtic Rosary
Rosaries are a form of prayer bead used by the Catholic faith. They are made by stringing beads onto wire and many have a pendant or charm attached to the end. The beads can be used to count prayers, as they are in Buddhist mantras. The Celtic rosary differs slightly from normal rosaries in the fact that it incorporates the pagan knot work and looped cross into its design. The most well known type of Celtic rosary is the Claddagh. This rosary features the crown, hands and a ring all set onto a Celtic cross. The symbol comes from the village of Claddagh in Ireland where it is a popular token of friendship.
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Things You'll Need
- Memory wire
- Memory wire cutting shears
- File or fine sand paper
- Pendant or charm
- Beads or seeds
- Measuring instrument
Instructions
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Choose the charm or pendant you wish to use at the base of the rosary. Celtic designs usually use a Celtic cross, a Celtic knot or, in the case of the Claddagh rosaries, a combination of a cross and a circle. Select beads that you like the look and feel of, and which match your chosen pendant or charm.
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2
Cut coils of memory wire to suit the length you want. A child's bracelet rosary requires between 4 to 5 coils. Once cut, file or sand the ends of the wire to remove any sharp ends.
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Secure one end of the wire coil by using pliers to loop back on itself. Alternatively, using super glue, affix one bead onto the end of the wire. This will ensure the other beads do not slip of the rosary.
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4
Slide beads onto the wire in your desired pattern. There is no prescribed pattern for rosaries. Some people like to place beads in a pattern that corresponds to their prayers, but if the rosary is simply ornamental, personal taste and style will be more important. Spacer beads can be used in between beads to reduce the number of beads used.
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Loop the end of the wire back on itself once you have finished adding beads. He charm or pendant can be hung on the wire before securing.
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Tips & Warnings
To make a bracelet rosary, add a flat lobster and jumpring to the rosary. The jumpring is a small hoop that can be placed on one end of the wire before sealing the end. The flat lobster is affixed to the other. A small lever opens and closes the catch securing the rosary onto the wrist.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit rosary isolated on white background image by ramzi hachicho from Fotolia.com
