Projects With Beads
Beads are sold in different sizes, colors and textures to complement fabrics and other materials. Although beads are mainly used to create handmade jewelry, they can be used in other projects. Embellish throw pillows with matching beaded fringe for an elegant look. Create a fashion statement in winter by adding beads to shawls, or decorate home curtains with beaded tiebacks.
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Beaded Fringe Purse Project
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Update soft leather and wool fringe purses with colorful plastic beads purchased from the craft store. Select a purse with 6-inch long, ¼-inch thick fringe strips and solid colored ½-inch beads. Set the purse on a table, desk or on your lap. Lift each fringe strip from the bottom or sides of the purse with one hand, and thread the fringe through one ½-inch bead. Twist wool fringe when inserting the beads. Tie one knot and add another bead. Then tie two knots consecutively at the bottom of each fringe strip.
Beaded Curtain Tiebacks Project
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Tie sheer home curtains with beaded curtain tiebacks. Cut 18 inches of beading wire and thread 14 8-mm beads through the wire. Set the beads in the center and fold the wire in half, looping the beads. String both wire strands through one 14-mm bead to secure the smaller beads. Thread additional 8-mm beads through both wire strands and add larger beads at each end. Then secure with crimp beads. Wrap the tiebacks around the curtains and insert the beaded strands through the bead loop to tie.
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Beaded Shawl Project
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Dress up layers of clothing during the cold winter months with a homemade artistic beaded shawl. Select a fine solid color cotton or polyester shawl from your wardrobe or purchase a shawl from a retail store. Twist 4 inches from each end of the shawl with both hands to make the ends ¼ inch thick. Thread the twisted ends of the shawl through three ½-inch colored wood or plastic beads. Then tie each end of the shawl into a knot. The beads will weigh down each end of the shawl as they dangle.
Beaded Throw Pillow Project
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Decorate throw pillows with beaded fringe from a craft or fabric store. Measure each side of the throw pillow and note the total length of beaded fringe needed on a sheet of paper. Cut the beaded fringe from the spool with scissors, 2 inches longer than the needed amount, and set aside. Unstitch each side of the throw pillow, then insert the ribbon or binding into each side of the pillow. Sew the fringe onto the throw pillow with a sewing machine or needle and matching thread.
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References
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