Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Craft: Wool Bead Jewelry (Tutorial)


I love wool beads--felted balls of wool. They are so tactile, fun to hold, a bit squishy, and I've found them in great colors. They aren't too difficult to make either, but I haven't tried that...


Instead I ordered a bunch from this Etsy shop, bought some stretchy cord, and made some jewelry. Want to make some too? Click to view the tutorial. It's as easy as you'd imagine.

 WOOL BEAD JEWELRY TUTORIAL


You'll need:

  • A bunch of 20mm wool beads (felted wool balls). I used 8 per child's bracelet.
  • Stretchy jewelry cording. I used "Stretch Magic."
  • A hand sewing needle with a large eye.

Before starting, think about the colors you want to use and order the wool beads as you would like to string them. This will save some time.

Thread your needle with the elastic cord and then thread each bead by sticking the needle through the middle of the wool bead and pulling the cord through. If you find that your first attempt isn't quite centered I would recommend pulling the bead off the cord and trying it again so that the beads line up nicely on the cording.


String the beads until they are the length you would like.


I made a necklace for Tess too using 23 beads. This will be long on her but will also be a cute shorter length on her mother!


To finish your necklace or bracelet pull the cord a bit to stretch it (I found it stretched quite a bit), and then tie off using two or three square knots (a square knot is made by tying left over right and then right over left). Dot the knot with Super Glue for extra hold.


Wear. Or give away.

I have party plans for these...

9 comments:

  1. Such a fun idea -- great colors, too! (Might try this w/ regular thread as a mod tree garland...?)

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  2. You have a lovely blog. There are so many talented Mums in the world. I wonder if you'd like a blog from Finland called "Mekkotehdas" (Dress Factory in English). It is written by two mums who love to sew dresses for their little daughters. The writers of Mekkotehdas have just published a book based on their blogger blog. I'll continue now reading your previous entries... Merja

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  3. Super cute idea! This would be a great little craft to do w/ my older kids :) Gonna have to get some of those wool balls!

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  4. Such a cute idea and great for play jewelry for my little girl! Thanks for sharing!

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  5. Cute! I love the concept - and such pretty colours too :)

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  6. That is so cool! I might have to try that for next winter. :)

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  7. I have given you "The Sunshine Award"! Head over to my blog and check it out! Have a great day!

    http://woodworker40.blogspot.com/

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  8. I love the felt beads, too. We made a Christmas garland last year, and my girls can't wait for us to do another one this year.

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