64 CreativeBeadingcomplementary colours can create an
interesting alternative. Similarly, a beaded
bouquet for the bride would make a wonderful
table centrepiece and keepsake for either the
bride (if she can’t bear to part with it) or the
lucky person who catches it.
Beads can also be incorporated into
bouquets of fresh flowers to add sparkle and
shimmer; thread some crystals onto some thin
gauge wire, letting them sit approximately
halfway along, then twist the wire together to
hold the crystal in place and to form a stem.
The wire can then be secured to the base
of the bouquet to prevent it from slipping or
falling out of place.
Clear vases or bowls filled with transparent
coloured beads also make beautiful table
centrepieces and can be used to hold up
flower stems or candles. Long strands of beads
entwined in small twiggy branches placed
in vases make an interesting talking point,
and can look either contemporary or elegant
depending on the beads you choose to use.
Similarly, long strands of beads strung around
the room can also give the room a magical
feel as the light catches the beads.
Beaded curtains can add colour and sparkle
to doorways or windows, while strands of
beads suspended from light shades will reflect
light into every corner of the room.WEDDING SPECIFIC IDEAS
Swarovski crystals are a very popular choice
for weddings as they sparkle so brilliantly,
often in rainbow colours when light shines on
them, and their facets refract the light in all
directions. When combined in clusters they
can give off a wonderful glow that can radiateeven in the dullest light, or when placed on
their own create a perfect subtle simmer.
Ring pillows can be decorated with beads
to add a special touch and the shine of the
beads will attract everyone’s attention. The
name of the groom and bride stitched in seed
or bugle beads will turn the ring pillow into an
even more special keepsake.
Tiaras are also easily embellished with beads
and crystals and are quite easy to make, or
you could purchase a simple tiara from a
store and give it your own twist with shapes
and colours to match your theme. Beaded
handbags also make wonderful accessories
to a simple outfit, and can dress up any little
black dress you have laying around.
Veils and dresses can be made to look even
more elegant if you use a line of crystals to
accent the edges or layers of fabric, or by
using crystals that graduate in size to create
intricate patterns. Shoes, scarves and hats
can all have flair added to them with beads
either by embroidering them onto the fabric,
or by using a strong fabric glue to adhere
them to stiffer areas. Traditional feather hat
decorations can be modernised by adding
a spray of beads into the hat band, while a
fascinator embellished with small crystals or
sparkly beads can make you shine.AT THE END
At the end of a party or celebration, it’s nice
to send your guests home with a reminder of
the day. Small decorative boxes filled with vials
of coloured beads and coloured cord make
great party favours for older children’s parties,
as they can be given these during the party to
make up and take home with them.
Thank you notes or cards are also nice
to send to guests to show how much you
appreciated their company. To tie them in with
your theme, you could embellish these with the
same or similar beads as you used on your
invitations, or alternatively you could select a
charm that holds a special meaning to you
and tie it onto the note with ribbon, allowing
your guests to take a special memento home.
Beads can be used to make yourself look
beautiful, so beautify your surroundings with
beads and your whole life will sparkle. Anything
can be beaded if you put your mind to it!Small
decorative
boxes filled
with vials
of coloured
beads and
coloured cord
make great
party favours
for older
children’s
parties, as
they can be
given these
during the
party to make
up and take
home with
them.