Crystal Bead Swirl Christmas Ornament

Can't get enough of Christmas in July?  Here's my take on making a cute Crystal Bead Swirl Christmas Ornament:

                                           You will need:

                             72 - 8mm faceted clear beads             

                             18 - 18mm global faceted clear beads
                               7 - silver metallic chenille cleaners

                                    wire cutters

  1.  Cut two(2), three inch pieces of pipe cleaner stem.  Twist tie six of the pipe cleaner stems together, approximately two inches from the top, wrapping the ends around.                           

 2.  Feed six,  8mm beads onto each of the six stems, then three, 18mm global beads, and six more, 8mm beads, for a total of fifteen beads on each stem.

                                            Do this for the remaining five stems.

 3.  Twist-tie the top stems together to form a loop.

4.  Once all the stems have been filled with beads, make sure they are evenly spaced and twist-tie (secure) all six stems at the bottom with another three inch piece pipe cleaner stem, wrapping it completely around them.

  
 Cut off all but a half inch of the stem ends, twisting them together.

5.  Holding the ornament securely at the top and bottom, twist the entire ornament.  It will hold in place.

                                        Love that swirl pattern!

The large crystal beaded ornaments reflect light. They're like glistening baubles!    
                                                               (please excuse the threads holding the ornament up)

 

    This was easy to make and turned out really great.                                                                                                                            
                              Have fun making your own and enjoy!