How to Decorate Windows With Glass Beads
Glass beads are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors. They are commonly used in different types of jewelry applications such as necklaces, bracelets and rings. Glass beads are also interesting for decorating parts of the home such as the windows. There are several ways this can be done, all of which will look unique and decorative. Glass bead curtains are one way to decorate windows. Another way glass beads can be utilized for an artistic effect is to replace a pane of an interior window with decorative glass beads on wire. This is especially effective for French doors or partitions. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hand-held drill with 1/8 inch bit
- Glass beads
- Needle nose pliers
- 1/8 inch eye hooks
- Fine gauge wire
- Wire cutters
- Work gloves
Instructions
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Remove the glass from one or more panes from an interior window using the needle nose pliers. Dispose of the glass properly to avoid cutting yourself. This method is especially useful for window panes that are already broken and must be repaired. An example of this type of interior window would be French door panes. Replacing glass is often expensive and this art project can negate the need for the excess cost. It must be done on an interior window to protect against the elements.
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Drill holes intermittently around the pane with the glass removed. The quantity of holes is up to you as you will decide how many wires with glass beads will be strung up inside the pane. For example, drill three holes in each edge of the pane. This will allow you to string up at least six wires, and much more if desired. Screw in an eye hook into each drilled hole.
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Measure the distance between two eye hooks with the wire and cut it to that measurement. Do not only measure from one eye hook to the one directly across, instead use zigzag or diagonal measurements to add visual interest. Connect one end of a wire to one eye hook by twisting it securely around until it cannot be pulled off easily. Thread as many beads onto the wire as desired and connect the other end to another eye hook. Use enough beads for an interesting look, but not too many to be overwhelming. Remember there are multiple strands and too many beads can look awkward or overdone. The key is to add beads so they can catch the light and create interesting patterns on surrounding surfaces.
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Continue the process until all eye hooks have been attached to at least one wire. Step back and survey the effects. Detach and re-attach any wires that look awkward. The effect is elegant, and should not be overcrowded.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not use beads that are overly large in combination with smaller ones as they many overpower the effects of the smaller sized beads. Feel free to use different sizes, just not too much variation between them to achieve a unified look.
Wear gloves when using the needle nose pliers, wire cutters and removing the glass to avoid injury.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit glass beads, image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
