From:
Martha Stewart Living

More Beads to Beguile

Glass-Bead Pink Snowflake with Interior Detail

See a larger version of the finished snowflake.

We used an alcohol-based art marker to tint some of the glass beads for this snowflake.

1. To create your snowflake form, follow the soldering instructions (how-to follows).

2. Slide glass beads onto wire form in the desired sequence (refer to photo). As you add the last bead to each spoke, clip the wire so that bead is flush with end. (You may need to remove the bead, cut the wire, and then return the bead to its spot.) Add a dab of glue to secure. When you reach the last spoke of the armature, do not clip the wire. Instead, use chain-nose pliers to gently form a loop for hanging the snowflake.

3. Cover the center of the snowflake with lametta tinsel, weaving it over and under spokes.

4. Cut one 30-inch length of 24-gauge wire. Using photo and illustration as a guide, attach wire to 1 spoke of the snowflake, wrapping it between two beads on the spoke. Slide beads onto the wire in desired sequence. Using round-nose pliers, loop the wire to secure, then feed it back through the last bead, twisting wire at angle so it points to the adjacent spoke. Slide on more beads in reverse order, then attach the wire to the adjacent spoke. Repeat process, making your way around the center of snowflake. Trim excess.

Soldering
When soldering, use a wooden plank as a work surface. It will burn during the process.

1. Cut four 14-inch lengths of music wire. When creating the snowflake form, you may want to first draw a guide on plank. Place the first wire vertically in the center followed by the remaining wires at 45-degree increments. Tape each wire end to plank at least 3 inches from center of form.

2. After wires are secured, apply a small amount of rosin flux to the center (this will help the solder adhere to the wires). Place solder wire at the joining point, and apply soldering iron to wire (see illustration). Solder will melt. After it has cooled (a few seconds), check to see if joint is secure. It may be necessary to apply solder wire and iron between music wires as well. Let cool about 1 minute, and remove.

Sources
For Soldering
K&S music wire, .039-inch-by-36-inch (LXWU93), $8.99 for 20; perfect lead-free solder (LXWW15), $1.49; Hobbico 60-watt soldering iron (LXPR36), $5.99; and Trinity rosin flux (LXKD40), $4.79; from Tower Hobbies, 800-637-6050 or towerhobbies.com.

For Snowflake
Prismacolor marker (No. 070735034588) in Blush Pink (PM-10), $1.84, from Carpe Diem, carpediemstore.com. 24-gauge tinned copper wire (TC), $2.99 for 10 yards, from Artistic Wire, 630-530-7567 or artisticwire.com. Wide lametta tinsel wired roping in Silver (J922S), $10.75 for 6 1/2 feet, and beads: sixty-four 8 mm silver glass (GC008S), from D. Blumchen & Co., 866-653-9627 or blumchen.com. Beads: 1/4-inch-by-1/4-inch-8-feet silver glass-bead garland (No. 911990), $12.50, from Midwest of Cannon Falls, seasonsofcannonfalls.com. Beads: forty 3 mm silver balls, $2.80 per strand; eight 4 mm silver balls, $3.50 per strand; thirty-two 6 mm silver balls, $4.80 per strand; and glue: 527 multipurpose cement, $3; from Toho Shoji, 212-868-7465 or tohoshoji-ny.com.

Glass-Bead Pink Snowflake

See a larger version of the finished snowflake.

We used an alcohol-based art marker to tint some of the glass beads for this snowflake.

1. To create your snowflake form, follow the soldering instructions (how-to follows).

3. Cover the center of the snowflake with lametta tinsel, weaving it over and under spokes.

Soldering

When soldering, use a wooden plank as a work surface. It will burn during the process.

1. Cut three 13-inch lengths of music wire. When creating the snowflake form, you may want to first draw a guide on plank. Place the first wire vertically in the center and then the other two wires at 60-degree increments. Tape each wire end to plank at least 3 inches from center of form.

For Snowflake
Prismacolor marker in Blush Pink (PM-10), $1.84, from Carpe Diem, carpediemstore.com. Wide lametta tinsel wired roping in Silver (LA920S) $10.75 for 6 feet, and beads: twenty-four 8 mm silver glass (GC008S), from D. Blumchen & Co., 866-653-9627 or blumchen.com. Beads: 1 1/2-by-1 1/2-by-54-inch silver glass-ball garland (No. 851975), $7.50, from Midwest of Cannon Falls, seasonsofcannonfalls.com. Beads: six silver ovals (M1218NK), $.30 each; six large silver pillows (M19NK), $6.50 for 12; six 4 mm silver balls, $3.50 per strand; and glue: 527 multipurpose cement, $3; from Tojo Shoji, 212-868-7465 or tohoshoji-ny.com.

Metal-Bead Gold Snowflake with Interior Detail

See larger version of the finished snowflake.

1. To create your snowflake form, follow the soldering instructions (how-to follows).

2. Slide beads onto the wire form in the desired sequence. Anchor the beads by twisting the wire ends into a loop with chain-nose pliers.

3. Cover the center of the snowflake with lametta tinsel, weaving it over and under spokes.

Soldering
When soldering, use a wooden plank as a work surface. It will burn during the process.

1. Cut three 20-inch lengths of music wire. When creating the snowflake form, you may want to first draw a guide on plank. Place the first wire vertically in the center and then the other two wires at 60-degree increments. Tape each wire end to plank at least 3 inches from center of form.

Sources
For Soldering
K&S music wire, .039-inch-by-36-inch (LXWU93), $8.99 for 20; perfect lead-free solder (LXWW15), $1.49; Hobbico 60-watt soldering iron (LXPR36), $5.99; and Trinity rosin flux (LXKD40), $4.79; from Tower Hobbies, 800-637-6050 or towerhobbies.com.

For Snowflake
Wide lametta tinsel wired roping in Gold (LA920G), $10.75 for 6 1/2 feet, from D. Blumchen & Co., 866-653-9627 or blumchen.com. 24-gauge tinned copper wire (TC), $2.99 for 10 yards, from Artistic Wire, 630-530-7567 or artisticwire.com. Beads: 36 small gold oval pillows (M813G), $3 for 12; 12 large gold oval pillows (M1218G), $4 for 12; 6 large gold ovals (YSR1.6-23), $8.50 for 12; 12 large gold pillows (M1), $6.50 for 12; 30 small silver pillows (MS085NK), $2 for 12; 6 small silver-lined spheres (No. 055), $1.50 for 12; 4 mm silver balls (126), $3.50 per strand; and twenty-four 8 mm silver balls, $8 per strand; from Toho Shoji, 212-868-7465 or tohoshoji-ny.com.

Metal-Bead Silver Snowflake

See a larger version of the finished snowflake.

1. To create your snowflake form, follow the soldering instructions (how-to follows).

2. Slide beads onto the wire form in the desired sequence. Anchor the beads by twisting the wire ends into a loop with chain-nose pliers.

3. Cover the center of the snowflake with lametta tinsel, weaving it over and under spokes.

Soldering

When soldering, use a wooden plank as a work surface. It will burn during the process.

1. Cut three 11-inch lengths of music wire. When creating the snowflake form, you may want to first draw a guide on plank. Place the first wire vertically in the center and then the other two wires at 60-degree increments. Tape each wire end to plank at least 3 inches from center of form.

Leonian Napkin Ring

1. Cut 24 inches of Leonian wire.

2. With your hands, make three 1 1/4-inch petal-shaped loops at one end of the wire; use 28-gauge wire to secure where necessary. Repeat at the other end of the wire.

3. Slide three 6 mm beads onto a 4-inch piece of 28-gauge wire. Twist ends of wire together to form a circle. Trim. Repeat to make another circle.

4. Using 28-gauge wire, attach circles at center points of the petal loops.

5. Wrap ring around a rolled napkin, shaping Leonian wire as necessary.

Sources

Steifkantille extra-stiff 3 mm silver Leonian wire (KB52S), $7.75 per yard, from D. Blumchen & Co., 866-653-9627 or blumchen.com. Six 6 mm pink glass beads (No. 7012), $1.20 for 12, from Tojo Shoji, 212-868-7465 or tohoshoji-ny.com. 28-gauge tinned copper wire (TC), $2.99 for 15 yards, from Artistic Wire, 630-530-7567 or artisticwire.com.

Leonian Wire Flower

See a larger version of the finished Flower Ring.

When making the wire flower, refer to our illustration.

1. Bend 3-mm-thick silver Leonian wire to form a 1 3/8-inch petal. Continuing on the same length of wire, repeat to make six petals total. When necessary, secure petals at center of flower with 30-gauge tinned copper wire.

2. After forming flower, cut six 5-inch lengths of 24-gauge wire. Attach an end of one wire to the inner tip of one of the petals. Slide beads onto the wire according to the pattern in photo and illustration. Wrap end of wire around the curved end of the petal, and trim. Repeat for remaining petals.

3. Cover the center of the flower with lametta tinsel, wrapping through the centers of the petals.

Sources
Steifkantille extra-stiff 3 mm silver Leonian wire (KB52S), $7.75 per yard, and wide lametta tinsel wired roping in Silver (J922S), $10.75 for 10 feet, from D. Blumchen & Co., 866-653-9627 or blumchen.com. 24-gauge tinned copper wire (TC), $2.99 for 10 yards, and 30-gauge tinned copper wire (TC), from Artistic Wire, 630-530-7567 or artisticwire.com. Beads: twelve 2 mm silver balls, $2.50 per strand; twelve 3 mm silver balls, $2.80 per strand; twelve 6 mm silver balls, $4.80 per strand; six 8 mm silver balls, $8 per strand; and 12 cones (TN-89NK); from Toho Shoji, 212-868-7465 or tohoshoji-ny.com.

Green Man

See a larger version of the finished green man.

As you make the figure, refer to the illustration. For the legs, torso, and head, refer to illustration A. When you create the arms, see illustration B.

1. Cut two 8-inch lengths of 26-gauge wire. Using round-nose pliers, make a loop at one end of each wire. Make legs: Slide a 2 mm bead onto one wire for toes, securing it against the loop. Add a faceted oval bead for a foot, a 3 mm bead for an ankle, a long bead for lower leg, a 4 mm bead for knee, and a teardrop bead for thigh. Repeat process to make the other leg.

2. Thread wires horizontally through a 6 mm bead, as shown. Bring the wire ends over the top of the bead, and twist to secure. Bend wires to shape feet and legs as desired.

3. Place torso bead over twisted portion of wire. Add a 4 mm bead for the neck; twist the two wires together. Add a 12 mm round bead for the head; cut one wire so that the trimmed end is covered by head. Slide a glass flower bead and a 3 mm bead onto remaining wire end for hat. Using round-nose pliers, make a loop at end of wire. Fit end into top of bead to secure.

4. Make arms: Cut a 6-inch length of 26-gauge wire. Using round-nose pliers, make a loop at one end. Slide a 2 mm bead onto the wire for a hand, a 3 mm bead for wrist, an oval twist for a forearm, a 3 mm bead for an elbow, and a teardrop bead for an upper arm.

5. Twist open end of wire tightly around body, just under neck bead; continue in reverse order to make other arm. Trim wire, and make a loop at end to secure beads. Bend wire to shape hands and arms as desired.

6. Slide six 4 mm green glass beads onto a length of wire. Wrap wire around waist, twist ends, and trim.

Sources
Wire for body: 26-gauge tinned copper (TC), $2.99 for 15 yards, from Artistic Wire, 630-530-7567 or artisticwire.com. Hat: 16 mm Olivine bead (No. 9399GB), $3.30 for 10, from Ornamental Resources, ornabead.com. Head: 12 mm round silver bead (No. 1212), $27.50 for 12; tops of arms and legs: 4 small silver teardrops (L713NK), 30 cents each; forearms: 2 twisted silver beads (TS514NK), 35 cents each; torso: oval silver (M813NK), 30 cents; hips: 6 mm silver ball, $4.80 per strand; bottom of legs: 2 thin silver beads (T415NK), 25 cents each; hands and toes: four 2 mm silver beads, $2.50 per strand; elbows, wrists, ankles, and top of hat: seven 3 mm silver beads, $2.80 per strand; and neck and knees: three 4 mm silver beads, $3.50 per strand; from Toho Shoji, 212-868-7465 or tohoshoji-ny.com. Feet: two 4 mm sterling disco beads (SS0504), $3.60 for 10, from Fusion Beads, 888-781-3559 or fusionbeads.com. Waist ruffle: six 4 mm peridot Czech machine-cut crystal beads in diamond cut (CZB12), $3.36 for 12, from Margola, 212-695-1115 or margola.com.

Yellow Man

See a larger version of the finished yellow man.

As you make the figure, refer to our illustration. For the legs, torso, and head, refer to illustration A. When you create the arms, see illustration B. Some of the beads will vary from the illustration; refer to the photo as a guide.

1. Cut two 8-inch lengths of 26-gauge wire. Using round-nose pliers, make a loop at one end of each wire. Make legs: Slide a 2 mm bead onto one wire for toes, securing it against the loop. Add a faceted oval bead for a foot, a 2 mm bead for an ankle, a long bead for lower leg, a 3 mm bead for knee, and a teardrop bead for thigh. Repeat process to make the other leg.

2. Thread wires horizontally through a 6 mm bead, as shown. Bring the wire ends over the top of the bead, and twist to secure. Bend wires to shape feet and legs as desired.

3. Place torso bead over twisted portion of wire. Add a 3 mm bead for the neck; twist the two wires together. Add a 10 mm round bead for the head; cut one wire so that the trimmed end is covered by head. Slide a glass flower bead and a 3 mm bead onto remaining wire end for hat. Using round-nose pliers, make a loop at end of wire. Fit end into top of bead to secure.

4. Make arms: Cut a 6-inch length of 26-gauge wire. Using round-nose pliers, make a loop at one end. Slide a 2 mm bead onto the wire for a hand, an oval for a lower arm, a 2 mm bead for an elbow, and a silver diamond bead for an upper arm.

6. Slide six 4 mm yellow glass beads onto a length of wire. Wrap wire around waist, twist ends, and trim.

Sources
Wire for body: 26-gauge tinned copper, $2.99 for 15 yards, from Artistic Wire, 630-530-7567 or artisticwire.com. Hat: 12 mm bead in Light Topaz (No. 9403GB), $2.70 for 10, from Ornamental Resources, ornabead.com. Waist ruffle: six 4 mm Czech machine-cut crystal beads in diamond cut in Jonquil, $3.36 for 12, from Margola, 212-695-1115 or margola.com. Upper arms: 2 small silver diamonds (T69NK), $2 for 12; torso: 1 (T10NK), 20 cents each; thighs: 2 small silver teardrops (L713NK), 30 cents each; hips: 6 mm silver ball, $4.80 per strand; hands, toes, ankles, and elbows: eight 2 mm silver balls, $2.50 per strand; top of hat, neck, and knees: four 3 mm silver balls, $2.80 per strand; and head: 10 mm silver bead (1210), from Toho Shoji, 212-868-7465 or tohoshoji-ny.com. Feet: two 4 mm sterling disco beads, $3.60 for 10, and bottoms of legs and arms: four 10 1/2 sterling bright ovals (SS0508), $3.12 for 4, from Fusion Beads, 888-781-3559 or fusionbeads.com.

Red Man

2. Thread wires horizontally through a 6 mm bead, as shown. Bring the wire ends over the top of the bead, and twist to secure. Bend wires to shape feet and legs as desired.

4. Make arms: Cut an 8-inch length of 26-gauge wire. Using round-nose pliers, make a loop at one end. Slide a 2 mm bead onto the wire for a hand, an oval bead for a lower arm, a 3 mm bead for an elbow, and a teardrop bead for an upper arm.

5. Twist open end of wire tightly around body, just under neck bead; continue in reverse order to make other arm. Do not loop end. Add a 1/2-inch silver bugle bead. Slide on a 4 mm silver bead and a twisted cone bead, and repeat sequence twice. Slide wire through a 1/2-inch sparkly bead (this will be the tree topper), and twist below it to secure. Trim wire. Bend wire to shape hands and arms as desired.

6. Slide six 4 mm red glass beads onto a length of wire. Wrap wire around waist, twist ends, and trim.

Sources
Wire for body: 26-gauge tinned copper, $2.99 for 15 yards, from Artistic Wire, 630-530-7567 or artisticwire.com. Feet: two 4 mm sterling disco beads, $3.60 for 10, from Fusion Beads, 888-781-3559 or fusionbeads.com. Hat: ruby bead (No. 9399GB), $3.30 for 10, from Ornamental Resources, ornabead.com. Waist ruffle: six 4 mm Czech machine-cut crystal beads in diamond cut in Siam Red (CZB-12, 5301C), $3.36, from Margola, 212-695-1115 or margola.com. Head: round silver bead (No. 1212), $27.50 for 12; tops of arms and legs: 4 small silver teardrops (L713NK), 30 cents each; forearms: 2 silver oval beads (No. 2275), $1.50 per pack; torso: silver bead (M813NK), 30 cents; hips: 6 mm silver ball, $4.80 per strand; bottom of legs: 2 thin silver beads (T415NK), 25 cents each; toes and hands: four 2 mm silver balls, $2.50 per strand; ankles, elbows, and top of hat: five 3 mm silver balls, $2.80 a strand; knees, neck, and between layers of tree: six 4 mm silver balls, $3.50 per strand; and tree: 3 silver cone beads (TN-89NK), 20 cents each; and tree stem: 12 mm silver bugle (132 Matsuno), $5 per bag; from Toho Shoji, 212-868-7465 or tohoshoji-ny.com. Feet: two 4 mm sterling disco beads (SS0504), $3.60 for 10, from Fusion Beads, 888-781-3559 or fusionbeads.com.

Pink Woman

As you make the pink woman, refer to our illustration. Some of the beads in the illustration will vary for the woman; refer to the photo as a guide. For the figure's legs, torso, and head, refer to illustration A. When you create the arms, see illustration B. For the skirt, refer to illustration C.

1. Cut two 8-inch lengths of 26-gauge wire. Using round-nose pliers, make a loop at one end of each wire. Make legs: Slide a 2 mm bead onto one wire for toes, securing it against the loop. Add an oval bead for a foot, a 3 mm bead for an ankle, a long bead for lower leg, a 4 mm bead for knee, and a teardrop bead for thigh. Repeat process to make the other leg.

2. Thread wires horizontally through a 8 mm bead, as shown. Bring the wire ends over the top of the bead, and twist to secure. Bend wires to shape feet and legs as desired.

3. Add the peplum bead (pleated disk) and torso bead over twisted portion of wire. Add a 4 mm bead for the neck; twist the two wires together. Add a 12 mm round bead for the head; cut one wire so that the trimmed end is covered by head. Slide a glass flower bead and a 3 mm bead onto remaining wire end for hat. Using round-nose pliers, make a loop at end of wire. Fit end into top of bead to secure.

4. Make arms: Cut a 6-inch length of 26-gauge wire. Using round-nose pliers, make a loop at one end. Slide a 3 mm bead onto the wire for a hand, an oval bead for a lower arm, a 3 mm bead for an elbow, and a teardrop bead for an upper arm.

5. Twist open end of wire tightly around body, just under neck bead; then continue in reverse order to make other arm. Trim wire, and make a loop at end to secure beads. Bend wire to shape hands and arms as desired.

6. Make skirt: Cut a 32-inch piece of 30-gauge tinned copper wire. Thread on one 35 mm silver-lined bugle bead, two 4 mm pink beads, then another bugle bead, leaving 5 inches of wire on one end. Bring the two wire ends together, forming a triangle, and twist to secure-make sure the beads are tight. Feed long end of wire back through the second bugle bead. Bend wire 90 degrees, and add two more pink beads followed by a bugle bead. Twist again at top, and feed wire back through the bugle bead. Repeat this process, using a total of 11 bugle beads. After the last bugle bead, bend wire at 90 degrees, and slide on two more pink beads.

7. Fit the skirt around the body. Thread the remaining wire through the first bugle bead from the bottom. At top of bead, pull wire tightly to secure waist of skirt, and then twist together wire ends to secure. Trim remaining wire.

Sources
Wire for body: 26-gauge tinned copper (TC), $2.99 for 15 yards, and wire for skirt: 30-gauge tinned copper (TC), $2.99 for 15 yards, from Artistic Wire, 630-530-7567 or artisticwire.com. Hat: 20 mm in Light Rose (No. 8421GB), $3.60 for 10, and middle of skirt: 11 silver-lined bugle beads in Crystal (No. 1192GB), $2.25 for 10 grams, from Ornamental Resources, ornabead.com. Skirt trim: 22 pink glass beads (FP-4MM), $1.20 for 12; head: 12 mm silver round bead (No. 1212), $2.75; torso: silver bead (T1414NK), 50 cents; tops of legs and arms: 4 small silver teardrops (L713NK), 30 cents each; peplum: circular silver disk (No. 187 NK), 40 cents; hips: 8 mm silver ball, $8 per strand; lower legs: 2 thin silver beads (T415NK), 25 cents each; feet: 4 silver oval beads (No. 22752NK), $1.50 per pack; forearms: 2 silver oval beads (No. 2275), $1.50 per pack; elbows, hands, ankles, and top of hat: seven 3 mm silver beads, $2.80 per strand; toes: 2 mm silver beads, $2.50 per strand; and neck and knees: three 4 mm silver beads, $3.50 per strand; from Toho Shoji, 212-868-7465 or tohoshoji-ny.com.

Green Woman

As you make the green woman, refer to the illustration of the green man. Some of the beads in the illustration will vary for the woman; refer to the photo as a guide. For the figure's legs, torso, and head, refer to illustration A. When you create the arms, see illustration B. For the skirt, refer to illustration C.

See a larger version of the finished green woman.

1. Cut two 8-inch lengths of 26-gauge wire. Using round-nose pliers, make a loop at one end of each wire. Make legs: Slide a 2 mm bead onto one wire for toes, securing it against the loop. Add an oval bead for a foot, a 2 mm bead for an ankle, a long oval bead for lower leg, a 3 mm bead for knee, and a teardrop bead for thigh. Repeat process to make the other leg.

2. Thread wires horizontally through a 6 mm bead, as shown. Bring the wire ends over the top of the bead, and twist to secure. Bend wires to shape feet and legs as desired.

3. Add the peplum bead (pleated disk) and torso bead over twisted portion of wire. Add a 3 mm bead for the neck; twist the two wires together. Add a 10 mm round bead for the head; cut one wire so that the trimmed end is covered by head. Slide a glass flower bead and a 2 mm bead onto remaining wire end for hat. Using round-nose pliers, make a loop at end of wire. Fit end into top of bead to secure.

4. Make arms: Cut a 6-inch length of 26-gauge wire. Using round-nose pliers, make a loop at one end. Slide a 2 mm bead onto the wire for a hand, a long oval bead for a lower arm, a 2 mm bead for an elbow, and a silver diamond for an upper arm.

6. Make skirt: Cut a 32-inch piece of 30-gauge tinned copper wire. Thread on one green bugle bead, two 4 mm silver beads, then another bugle bead, leaving 5 inches of wire on one end. Bring the two wire ends together, forming a triangle, and twist to secure-make sure the beads are tight. Feed long end of wire back through the second bugle bead. Bend wire 90 degrees, and add two more silver beads followed by a bugle bead. Twist again at top, and feed wire back through the bugle bead. Repeat this process, using a total of 10 bugle beads. After the last bugle bead, bend wire at 90 degrees, and slide on two more silver beads.

Sources
Wire for body: 26-gauge tinned copper (TC), $2.99 for 15 yards, and wire for skirt: 30-gauge tinned copper (TC), $2.99 for 15 yd., from Artistic Wire, 630-530-7567 or artisticwire.com. Hat: crystal (No. 9399GB), $3.30 for 10, and skirt: 10 green bugle silver-lined peridot (No. 1977GB), $1.80 for 10 grams, from Ornamental Resources, ornabead.com. Head: 10 mm silver bead (No. 1210), $1.65; upper arms: 2 small silver diamond beads (T69NK), $2 for 12; torso: silver bead (T10NK), 20 cents; lower arms and legs: 4 silver beads (No. 2275), $1.50 for 12; feet: 2 silver oval beads (No. 22752NK), $1.50 for 12; thighs: 2 small silver teardrops (L713NK), 30 cents each; peplum: silver disk bead (No. 187 NK), 40 cents; hips: 6 mm silver ball, $4.80 per strand; skirt trim: eighteen 4 mm silver balls, $3.50 per strand; neck and knees: three 3 mm silver balls, $2.80 per strand; and elbows, hands, ankles, toes, and top of hat: nine 2 mm silver balls, $2.50 per strand; from Toho Shoji, 212-868-7465 or tohoshoji-ny.com.

First Published: December 2007


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