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I have been creating unique wooden beads for many years.
I make my own by cutting up boards for rectangular beads and
dowels for cylindrical ones. I drill small holes with a drill
press. When one is not available, I clamp the beads and use a
hand drill.
I sand them smooth and paint with gesso or flat white to
seal. Then I paint the beads with a background color, using (relatively) dark colors.
On these larger beads (3/4" to 1 1/2" average) I'll paint
designs and words in gloss enamel, using lighter colors
against the dark backgrounds. Each bead is a work of art.
One might have, "a rose is a rose is a rose,,, " or "apple of
my eye", "Happy Birthday", "I Love You", etc. Then I'll paint
letters on some... the same letter on four sides of a cube bead
or both sides of a 1/4" slice of 1 1/2" dowel.
I will string beads spelling out a person's name along with
special theme beads and small colorful "spacers". I use little
round or cube beads or cylinders from small dowels. I leave a
length of string at the top with a small round bead tied at the
end. The recipient of these bead "strings" can tie them in a
window, from a light pull or hang anywhere they want.
The people I have given these bead strings to have treasured
them for many years. My father made a special stand to display
the beads I gave my mother.
Long strings of 10" - 12" use about ten major beads. Smaller
strings use 3 to 5 beads and can also be used for Christmas
ornaments.
Do you have any experience with Hand Painted Christmas Ornaments? |
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This sounds like a great idea, and one that can be successfully
modified as a children's craft project. I'd like to hear about your
patchwork beads. I'd also like to hear more about this--it IS a great idea to use with children.
I was so surprised to see a few more posts on this website! |
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