Beaded Christmas Ornament

An Elegant Addition to Your Christmas Tree

Christmas Ornament Materials

• 1 2-inch tall plastic focal ornament (the glittered star in this example)
• 3 gold-tone plastic spacer beads (about 8 mm long)
• 6 gold 5 mm round glass beads
• 16 inches 21 gauge square dead soft brass wire
• 1 gold-tone hexagonal glass bead about 15 mm long

Tools

• Round nose pliers
• Needle nose pliers
• Wire cutter
• Wire jig (optional)

How to Assemble the Christmas Ornament

Cut a 9-inch length of wire for the filigree dangle at the bottom. You can form it by hand using the jeweler’s pliers or using a wire jig as shown in these directions for a Beaded Fan Pull

At the top of the filigree, bend the wire upward at a right angle. String 1-5 mm gold bead, one spacer bead and 1-5 mm gold.

Form a closing loop to attach the filigree to the focal ornament. Open the loop and attach it to the bottom loop of the plastic ornament.

[Here are basic beading techniques.]

Cut a 3-inch length of wire. Form a loop on the bottom. String 1-5 mm bead, 1 spacer, 1-5 mm gold, the gold hex bead, 1-5 mm gold, 1 spacer, 1-5 mm gold.

Form a closing loop. Open the bottom loop and attach it to the focal ornament.

With the remaining wire, form a hook to hang the ornament from your tree. I made mine in a filigree to match the bottom dangle.

Open the bottom loop of your hanger and attach it to the assembled beaded ornament.

In Search of the Glitter Stars

I would love to know where you got the 2-inch plastic star for this ornament. I want to make this but have looked everywhere for the star.

Any suggestions? Thank you.

Juli

I had no idea where the star had come from since I received it as an attachment on a gift. Reader Cathy came through with the source. Thanks much, Cathy!

I just wanted to let you know the stars used here were Hallmark gift "tags" from two years ago. I bought a bunch to use as ornaments since they were only a buck and very nice. Search out the Hallmark gift attachments for some really nice things to add and embellish.

Love your site!

arm regards!
Cathy

If you're unable to find the Hallmark or similar stars, here is another way to make the beaded star ornament

Wire-Wrapped Star Variation

The supplies and instructions for this ornament are the same except for the star. This uses a plastic glow-in-the-dark star which you can buy in packs of about 30 in dollar or craft stores.

There are three sizes in each package allowing you to make an assortment of coordinated starry ornaments. The stars are intended to be glued on a ceiling so you or your kids can drift off to sleep under (artificial) starry skies.

To wrap one of the stars in wire, cut a piece of wire at least six times the height of the star. This star is 1-inch tall, so I cut six inches of wire.

Use a needle nose jeweler's pliers to form a loop on one end. Hold the loop against the bottom of the star where you will attach the dangle. Run the wire across the front of the star from the bottom to the crook between the top and left points.

Bend the wire to the back and run it back down to the bottom; then up the front to the crook on the other side of the star. Bend to the back; run the wire back to the bottom. Make two wraps around the bottom wire assembly ending at the back and run the wire up the center to the very tip.

Make a right angle so you can wrap the very tip of the star twice. Use the needle nose pliers to form a loop at the top. Assemble the ornament as above.

I wish I could get a photo of the ornament in darkness to show how it glows.

Here's another craft I’ve done with these neat glowing stars: Starry Gift Bags.

Click here for more Holiday Craft Ideas with step by step instructions.