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Acrylic Bead Ornament - Variation One

Easy to Make Christmas Ornament

Acrylic Beads on Chenille Stems Make Quick and Easy Christmas Ornament

Here’s a (certified by Miss SmArty) kid-friendly craft to get you all through one of the upcoming snow days with smiles on your faces and Christmas Cheer in your heart.

The endless variety of possible options in shape and complexity make this project suitable for kids of all ages.

These ornaments made using large-hole acrylic beads are quick and easy to make.

They can be done in a variety of shapes from simple candy canes and icicles to the bird cage shown above.

This is the first of three variations provided.

Acrylic Bead Ornament Materials

• 1 Package acrylic multi-colored faceted beads (with holes large enough to string on chenille "pipe cleaner" stems)
• Aleene’s Clear Gel Tacky Glue
• Wire cutters
• 4 chenille stems (pipe cleaners) any color
• 1 Black chenille stem
• 1 Small craft bird
• Heavy duty thread or 2 strands of embroidery floss any color

Making the Ornament Variation One

String 3 chenille stems with beads in desired pattern leaving 1 ¼ inch of stem open on each end.

Gather all 6 ends together to form the top of the ornament.

Take one end and wrap it around all the others to secure.

Tie heavy thread or 2 strands of embroidery floss around all three layers of beading at the bottom and knot to secure. Place a small dab of glue on the knot.

Place the tied bottom of the ornament in the palm of your hand and slightly push down on the top to open it up forming a ball shape.

To form the hanger, insert the 4th chenille stem through the middle at the top leaving a 3-inch tail on one side. Bring the 3-inch end up close to the gathered ends.

Wrap the long end around all the others ...

... until only two pieces are not wrapped.

Squeeze the two visible tails together and form into a hook.

Cut the black chenille stem to fit from one side to the other inside the ball and form the bird’s perch. Glue in place.

Put the little bird into his cage and glue him to the perch so he doesn’t fly away!

Here are the other variations:

• Ornament Variation Two
• Ornament Variation Three

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