How to Make Wire-Wrapped Rosaries

Seed beads can be used to make a wire-wrapped rosary.

Wire wrapping is an uncomplicated technique that can be used to create beautiful handmade rosaries from crystal beads. This delicate rosary and cross would make a wonderful gift for an appreciative prayer-minded loved one. Crystal beads and the fine gauge wire needed are both readily available in craft and bead supply stores. Once the wire wrapping technique has been mastered, it can also be used to create seed bead flowers and leaves for handmade brooches and jewelry.

Things You'll Need

• 36-gauge wire
• Wire nippers
• 36 seed beads
• 5 large crystal beads
• 50 smaller crystal beads

Instructions

1. Cut a 36-inch length of wire with the wire nippers.

2. Thread three seed beads on the wire and slide the beads to the center of the wire. Press the wires down at a right angle at the ends of the rows of beads with your fingers.

3. Thread three more seed beads on one end of the wire. Slide the beads to the center of the wire, positioning the beads directly below the first three beads. Thread the opposite wire end through the second row of beads to secure the second row.

4. Repeat with three more beads to create a third row.

5. Add nine beads for the fourth row. Repeat twice for a total of three rows of nine beads.

6. Add three more rows of three beads to complete the cross. Twist the wires together to secure them and cut off the excess wire with the nippers.

7. Cut a second 34-inch length of wire. Thread one large crystal bead and 10 small crystal beads on the wire. Repeat four more times.

8. Slide one end of the wire through the top row of the cross seed beads and twist it with the opposite end of the wire to complete the rosary.

References

• "Beautiful Beads"; Alexandra Kidd; 1994
• "Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts"; Martha Stewart; 2009