I needed a "housewarming" gift and decided to make beaded napkin rings. Buying napkin rings can be very expensive. There use to be a time when you would find bins of napkin rings in home decor and big box stores. Now, you have to really look for them, usually paying an "arm and a leg" for something nice and somewhat unique. I love using napkin rings in table settings. They represent the perfect finishing touch to any tablescape, no matter the occasion.
The problem is I couldn't decide what type of bead - crystal or silver to use for this project. So, I made samples of each. You be the judge!
The basic technique is the same for both.
Materials needed:
- Crafting Beads
- 4 chenille metallic stems
- 1 - 20gauge floral stem wire
- Needle-nose pliers
- Cardboard tube for shaping
Step One:
Take three (3) chenille stems and bend each in half. Bring the bent stems together and twist to secure at the top.
Step Two:
Thread your chosen beads onto the first stem until you are about one inch from the end.
Using 8mm crystal craft beads, thread twelve beads onto each stem.
Make sure each of the six stems is threaded the same way. The possibilities are endless with the colors, sizes, and shapes of the beads.
Using 6mm silver craft bead, thread twelve beads, then one 8mm bead, then ten more 6mm beads onto each stem.
Using 8mm crystal craft beads, thread twelve beads onto each stem.
Bring the stems together, twist tie and secure. Both ends should look the same.
Take both ends of your beaded stems and push together, gently opening the stems . . .
pushing the bottom and top together, forming the flower bow.
Step Five:
To secure the flower, using a half of a chenille stem, twist tie around the center of the flower on the bottom.
Step Six:
To form the beaded napkin holder: Using needle-nose pliers, bend one end of a 20 gauge floral stem wire (I used this wire because a chenille stem is not long enough to wrap) into a small loop. Next, thread the wire with matching beads. Once all beads are threaded, make a similar loop at the end of the wire.
Step Seven:
Wrap the beaded wire around a cardboard tube several times to create a spiral. Remove it carefully from the tube.
Tie the spiral beaded wire to the twist tie stem on the bottom of the flower.
And voila! A simple but elegant Beaded Napkin Ring!
Which one do you prefer?
Remember in making your own napkin rings, the possibilities are endless . . . creative, unique, one of a kind . . . and so much cheaper!
Thanks for stopping by
and take a little time to enjoy,
Happy Crafting!
