Create a Festive, Colorful Mardi Gras Bead Wreath
Reuse collected beads from parades for an easy-to-make front door accent
Materials
- 14-inch green foam floral wreath form
- Greening pins (available at craft stores)
- Beaded strands. I used about 60, but you can adjust or use a smaller wreath form.
Instructions
1. Organize your strands by bead size. I separated them into three groups: small beads, medium beads and long or elaborate beads with medallions. The largest group will most likely be the small beaded strands, which you will use first.
Secure two small beaded strands to the wreath using a greening pin. Twist the beads around each other and then wrap them around the wreath.
1. Organize your strands by bead size. I separated them into three groups: small beads, medium beads and long or elaborate beads with medallions. The largest group will most likely be the small beaded strands, which you will use first.
Secure two small beaded strands to the wreath using a greening pin. Twist the beads around each other and then wrap them around the wreath.
2. Twist a second set of small beaded strands together. Thread them up through the first twisted strand of beads. then put the other end of the beads through the loop you’ve created. You’ll create a slip knot, as shown here.
3. Pull the second strand tight and continue to twist and wrap more strands around the wreath form in the same manner.
There’s no need for the beads to be tidy; this is Mardi Gras, after all. Use the colors at random and wrap away!
4. Wrap about two-thirds of the wreath form with your twisted strand sets. Affix the last set with a greening pin.
Don’t worry about gaps between the strands. You will fill those spaces in next with the medium-size strands, following the same process. I used single lengths for this step rather than twisting two strands together, because the beads are larger.
The more beads you layer on, the fuller the wreath will be.
5. Place your wreath facedown on your work surface. Loop the longer and more elaborate strands on the exposed section of the wreath, letting most of them hang below the form.
6. After you add each larger strand, push the single loops on each side outward, as pictured. Then center the next strand and attach it, making sure any medallions are facing down.
7. Once you have your wreath as full as you would like it, hang it on a door or wall. Spread out the draped beads to hide any large gaps, and use greening pins to secure them.
Tip: The wreath can end up being on the bulky side, so use a heavy-duty wreath hanger.
Display your colorful wreath on your front door to let the neighborhood know that you’re ready for Mardi Gras. Laissez les bon temps rouler! (This Cajun French phrase means “Let the good times roll!”)
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