- 1). Thread a size 10 beading needle with a 3-foot strand of waxed beading thread. Pull the tail thread through the needle to rest halfway down the working thread. The beaded ornaments are made with a single strand. The tail thread becomes the working thread. If the thread runs short as you bead, tie another strand of waxed beading thread onto the working thread with a double overhand knot. Cover any knots made during the course of beading the ornament with jeweler's glue.
- 2). Thread one size 11 seed bead to 3 inches from the end of the working thread. Wrap the thread around the bead and insert the needle through the bead again. Repeat the wrap and insert the needle through the seed bead once more. This will anchor the bead at the end of the thread.
- 3). Thread 13 more size 11 seed beads onto the thread to meet the anchor bead. Wrap the seed beads around the top of the ornament to check the fit. Add or remove seed beads as necessary to fit a complete circle of beads around the top of the ornament, just make sure that you have an even number of beads on the circle.
- 4). Insert the needle through the last seed bead added on the strand. Continue to pass the needle through the other seed beads on the strand, exiting the anchor bead. Pull the thread taut to make a circle. Tie the 3-inch tail and the working thread in a double overhand knot to secure the circle.
- 5). Insert the needle through five beads on the circle. Pull the thread taut after exiting the fifth bead.
- 6). Add 4mm faceted crystal beads onto the working thread. Make the 4mm strand as long as you like. The fringe strand can stop in the center of the ornament or it can drape several inches below the ornament. End the fringe strand by adding a top drilled 6mm crystal bead. Complete the fringe strand by inserting the needle back through the 4mm beads on the strand, exiting the first 4mm bead on the strand.
- 7). Insert the needle through two seed beads on the circle. Pull the thread taut. Repeat Step 6 to make another strand of beaded fringe.
- 8). Repeat Step 7 to add beaded fringe all around the seed bead circle. Finish the final strand by tying the working thread over the thread between two seed beads on the circle in a double overhand knot. Fit the beaded circle over the top of the ornament so that the fringe drapes all around it.
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