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This is a super simple, yet high impact project, with literally thousands of beautiful bead and color combinations. Our finished ornaments range in size from 3-1/2" to 2-1/2" long -- a great size for smaller feather trees.
Supplies: Glass Beads, Wire (26 or 28 Gauge), Dresden Stars, Glue (Alleen's Tacky Glue - Original or Quick Dry), Scissors, Paint Brush or Pencil, Needle-nose Pliers
Step 1: Cut an 11" piece of wire, bend it in half and twist it around a pencil or paint brush handle to make a hanging loop.
Step 2: Lay out beads in desired order then string them onto wire.
Step 3: Using needle-nose pliers, make a small, flat loop at the base of the beads. Wind the tails of the wire around twice near the bottom bead to secure. Bend excess tails downward and cut close to flat loop.
Step 4: Apply glue to two Dresden stars. Gently place them back-to-back over the flat wire loop, taking care to line up the stars' edges. Let dry.
Step 5: If necessary, gently adjust and straighten your icicle.
Tips: Though clear beads are beautiful, we used only silvered styles in order to hide the wire.
Try different bead/color combinations by laying them out on a piece of paper first -- you'll be mesmerized by how many variations you can create and how changing out one or two beads can really transform a combination.
You don't need a ton of beads per ornament -- the styles we made use just 3, 4 or 5 beads.
Be mindful of glueing your Dresden stars on gently -- press too hard and you'll see the silhouette of the wire underneath.
Arranging your beads according to size gives a sleek and sophisticated look -- try large to small, or small to large to really make your ornaments look like drops.
If you're unsure of which beads to combine, here are formulas to easily replicate five styles we've created above.
DECO = ROUND (6 mm) + FANCY (GB049) + ROUND (6 mm) + DROP (GB003) + ROUND (6 mm) + STAR (DF2088)
BELL = ROUND (6 mm or 8 mm) + DROP (GB001 or GB002) + ROUND (6 mm or 8 mm) + STAR (GB054) + BELL (GB051) + STAR (DFW277)
FACETED = ROUND (6 mm or 8 mm) + FACETED (GB073 or GB030) + ROUND (8 mm or 10mm) + DROP (GB050, GB002 or GB278) + ROUND (6 mm) + STAR (DFW277 or DF2088)
BALL = ROUND (6 mm) + BALL (GB075) + DROP (GB003) + ROUND (6 mm) + STAR (DFW277)
Item No. GB055PRGR
These pearl green quilted drop mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 1-1/4" long and measures 3/16" wide a...(click for more)
Item No. GB055PRBL
These pearl light blue quilted drop blown glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 1-1/4" long and measures 3/16" wid...(click for more)
Item No. GB055PRRO
These pearl rose pink quilted drop mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 1-1/4" long and measures 3/16" wi...(click for more)
Item No. GB055R
These glossy red quilted drop mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 1 1/4" long and measures 3/16" wide at...(click for more)
Item No. GB055S
These glossy silver quilted drop mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 1 1/4" long and measures 3/16" wide...(click for more)
Item No. DFW276AG
Sheet of 102 miniature Dresden flowers, each measuring 3/8". Antique gold foil on front, white paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DFW276G
Sheet of 102 miniature Dresden flowers, each measuring 3/8". Gold foil on front, white paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DFW276SB
Sheet of 102 miniature Dresden flowers, each measuring 3/8". Steel blue foil on front, white paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DF2088AG
Sheet of 72 classic Dresden stars, each measuring 1/2" across. Antique gold foil on front, white paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DF2088SF
Sheet of 72 classic Dresden stars, each measuring 1/2" across. Aqua foil on front, white paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DF2088LB
Sheet of 72 classic Dresden stars, each measuring 1/2" across. Light blue foil on front and back. Made in Germany.
Item No. DF2088P
Sheet of 72 classic Dresden stars, each measuring 1/2" across. Pink foil on front and reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DF2088S
Sheet of 72 classic Dresden stars, each measuring 1/2" across. Silver foil on front, brown kraft paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DF2088SB
Sheet of 72 classic Dresden stars, each measuring 1/2" across. Steel blue foil on front, white paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. GB346AQ
These glossy aqua ribbed cylinder mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 16mm long, which is about 5/8". They are 7m...(click for more)
Item No. GB346BLK
These glossy black ribbed cylinder blown glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 16mm long, which is about 5/8". They are 7mm...(click for more)
Item No. GB346RB
These glossy blue cylinder mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 16mm long, which is about 5/8". They are 7mm wide ...(click for more)
Item No. GB346BU
These glossy burgundy ribbed cylinder blown glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 16mm long, which is about 5/8". They are ...(click for more)
Item No. GB346DKG
These glossy dark green ribbed cylinder blown glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 16mm long, which is about 5/8". They ar...(click for more)
Item No. GB346G
These glossy gold cylinder mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 16mm long, which is about 5/8". They are 7mm wide ...(click for more)
Item No. GB346HP
These glossy hot pink ribbed cylinder mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 16mm long, which is about 5/8". They ar...(click for more)
Item No. GB346LB
These glossy light blue ribbed cylinder mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 16mm long, which is about 5/8". They ...(click for more)
Item No. GB346LG
These glossy lime green ribbed cylinder mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 16mm long, which is about 5/8". They ...(click for more)
Item No. GB346PK
These glossy pink cylinder mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 16mm long, which is about 5/8". They are 7mm wide ...(click for more)
Item No. GB346R
These glossy red ribbed cylinder mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 16mm long, which is about 5/8". They are 7mm...(click for more)
Item No. GB346S
These glossy silver cylinder mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 16mm long, which is about 5/8". They are 7mm wid...(click for more)
Item No. DF7104AG
Sheet of 55 Dresden daisies, each measuring 5/8". Antique gold foil on front, off white paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DF7104G
Sheet of 55 Dresden daisies, each measuring 5/8". Gold foil on front, kraft paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DF7104S
Sheet of 33 Dresden daisies, each measuring 5/8". Silver foil on front, white paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. GB-EC-08-FG
These glossy forest green faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 8mm, which is approx. 5/16". Sold...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-08-G
These glossy gold faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 8mm, which is approx. 5/16". Sold in grou...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-08-HP
These glossy hot pink faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 8mm, which is approx. 5/16". Sold in ...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-08-LB
These glossy light blue faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 8mm, which is approx. 5/16". Sold i...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-08-LTP
These glossy light pink faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 8mm, which is approx. 5/16". Sold i...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-08-MC
These matte champagne faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 8mm, which is approx. 5/16". Sold in ...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-08-PRC
These pearl coral faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 8mm, which is approx. 5/16". Sold in grou...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-08-PRGR
These pearl green faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 8mm, which is approx. 5/16". Sold in grou...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-08-PRRO
These pearl rose pink faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 8mm, which is approx. 5/16". Sold in ...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-08-R
These glossy red faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 8mm, which is approx. 5/16". Sold in group...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-08
These glossy silver faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 8mm, which is approx. 5/16". Sold in gr...(click for more)
Item No. GB013MixA
These matte white fancy flower beads have shiny centers in red, purple, orange, yellow, turquoise, blue and irridescent glitter. They are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual si...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-10-AQ
These glossy aqua faceted cube blown glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 10mm, which is approx. 3/8". Sold in groups...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-10-FG
These glossy forest green faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 10mm, which is approx. 3/8". Sold...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-10-G
These glossy gold faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 10mm, which is approx. 3/8". Sold in grou...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-10-HP
These glossy hot pink faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 10mm, which is approx. 3/8". Sold in ...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-10-LB
These glossy light blue faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 10mm, which is approx. 3/8". Sold i...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-10-LTP
These glossy light pink faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 10mm, which is approx. 3/8". Sold i...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-10-LG
These glossy lime green faceted cube blown glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 10mm, which is approx. 3/8". Sold in ...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-10-MW
These matte white faceted cube blown glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 10mm, which is approx. 3/8". Sold in groups...(click for more)
Item No. GB-EC-10-R
These glossy red faceted cube mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown and silvered by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 10mm, which is approx. 3/8". Sold in group...(click for more)