Mardi Gras Bead Wreath Tutorial

This is a project that I dreamed up after last year's Mardi Gras parades here in Louisiana.  We collect so many beads and had such a great time with friends, but I had no idea what to do with the beads once I got them home! I just couldn't throw them away, so I made a wreath out of them.  In the past year, I've made or taught someone else how to make this wreath 5 times and the craft club that I coordinate will be making them in 2 weeks. So many people like the idea and ask me how to make it and it's time to make a tutorial to share with the world.

Materials: 

1. Two 16'' Wire Wreath Frames (Found in the floral section at The Lobby)   

2. A bow ---> I've made several different types so choose a type that makes you happy. 

*Shreveport Locals can get them pre-made at Tubbs or Ellis

3. Purple, Green and Gold beads (20-25 of each color)

4. Green Floral Wire  (Precut about ten 6-inch pieces to use later) 

5. Optional, Mardi Gras ornament

Step by Step Instructions: 

1. Place the wreath frames together facing opposite directions.  This helps to make the wreath look more full without getting to heavy.

  

2. Wrap the wreath frames with green floral wire so they won't shift.   Twist the floral wire to tie it down.

 

3. Cut each strand of beads so that they are no longer in a circle. 

4. Feed one strand of beads in between the frame and twist the end of the strand around the necklace to lock it in place.  

5. Wrap the entire wreath frame with a single layer of beads. (I alternated green and purple because I didn't have as many gold and didn't want to run out. )

6. Once you've wrapped the frame, use a 6 inch piece of floral wire to twist down the end of the strand of beads.  Leave the ends of the wire out for later. 

7. Twist a gold, green and purple strand of beads together. You're locking them in place so that you can start braiding them. 

8.  Using the remaining wire, twist the 3 bead strands down to the wreath.  

 9. Braid, braid, braid.... Always make sure you have a strand of each color so that the 3 colors will be evenly shown throughout the wreath.

 10. Wrap the braided beads around the wreath.  At this point, I use a 6 inch piece of floral wire and secure the end of the braided section to the wreath frame. Then, snap on a new strand of beads and keep braiding!

Add your bow (and a Mardi Gras ornament if you have one) and you're finished! It really is that simple and beautiful.  

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