Ornament Challenge 2011: Crystal, Spool & Bead Mixed Media Ornament

In case you haven’t noticed by now, I like using items from very different craft “departments” for many of my projects.

Who’s to say that an ornament can’t include a wooden spool, crystal star, beads, embroidery thread, ink, paper or buttons and ribbon? Not me!

Supplies:

• Craft Thread – Assorted Value Pack
• Wood Spool 1 3/16 x 7/8 inch – 50 count
• Swarovski Crystal Bead Star – AB 40MM
• Ribbon of your choice
• Shell Ring – Bead Strand
• Button of choice
• Eye Pin – Sterling Silver 2 inch
• Fire Polished Czech Glass Beads – Light Green
• Tim Holtz Distress Ink Stamp Pad – Brushed Corduroy
• Cotton balls, cotton swabs or cotton cloth
• Hot glue gun

Stain the spool with the Brushed Corduroy ink by dabbing the ink on with either the cotton ball, swab or cloth. Let dry.

To wrap the embroidery thread around the spool secure the end of the thread with a tiny bead of hot glue and wrap around the spool until it is covered to your liking. Secure the end with another tiny dab of glue.

Attach a green bead to one of the head pins, on the other end make a LARGE simple loop, attach the star crystal and close the loop (You can see my video; How to Make Simple Loops if you need help).

On another head pin place one of the Shell Ring Beads and attach it to the head pin you just created with the star and bead.

Attach another head pin to the sections you already made and then run the headpin through the spool; top with a button or bit of paper cut to the proper size. Form another simple loop. (This one will be kind of tricky to make because there isn’t as much wire to work with but YOU can do it)

For the final section; a green glass bead and a Shell Ring bead with a green bead in the center and finish with another simple loop. Attach this to the other three sections you made and thread a bit of ribbon through the top loop.

Of course there are lots of different crafty goodies you could add to this ornament instead of or with the items I used. I also think this would be a great add on to a small gift and could be incorporated into the gift tag. So many ideas!

Vicki

I also blog at vickiodell.com, a daily creative lifestyle blog where I share craft and home decor projects as well as recipes, inspiration and my own brand of Creative Goddess wisdom.
I can also be found on Facebook and Twitter. Be careful… I’ll talk your eyeballs off if you let me. 🙂