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Glass bead garlands are a beautiful addition to Christmas trees and very fun to make, especially with so many possible color combinations. Below are simple instructions for how to string your own garlands, complete with string recommendations and three different color ideas to guide you.
Supplies: Beading Cord, Blown Glass Beads, Hooks, Dresden Stars or Medallions, Scissors
Step 1: Unwind silk cord from card. One end will have an attached needle for stringing.
Step 2: Tie sturdy knot through hook at end opposite the needle. Fold Dresden Stars together with foil sides out and thread through the center of both onto cord. You may wish to use pointed scissors to poke small holes in the Dresdens first.
Step 3: String glass beads onto cord.
Step 4: Thread the remaining Dresden stars onto your cord. Tie a sturdy knot leaving at least 1/2" slack in your cord to allow the garland to drape nicely on the tree boughs. Guide needle back down through the Dresden stars so cord is on the underside, between Dresdens and bead.
Step 5: Cut needle off leaving 1/2" to 3/4" of cord. Use needle to push cord tail through the Dresden stars at beginning end of garland. Trim cord leaving 1/2" to 3/4".
Tips: If you're uncertain of how many beads you'll need or what colors to choose, we've included three different looks below to guide you, including needed bead quantities. Make as shown, or substitute bead colors and styles to customize ~ there are literally tens of thousands of different color combination possibilities!
Including less-costly spacer beads is a great way to "stretch" out your design. Below, the Classic Christmas pattern shows this technique using amber colored spacers while Multi-Color Mix uses clear spacers.
It's very important to leave at least 1/2" slack in the cord so the beads have room to move. If beads are too tight they could break or your garland will look stiff and not drape properly.
Hooks are optional but do make it easy to attach the garland ends to your tree when decorating. They can be fashioned out of 24 or 26 gauge wire by bending a small piece in half and then further bending it into a hook shape. If you choose to go hook-less, simply tie the cord gently but securely around the first and last bead.
A word about string types: We prefer to string garlands on silk beading cord -- the attached needle makes adding beads super easy, plus the cord is strong, elegant and doesn't stretch out over time. We have made quite a few garlands in the past using thick upholstery/carpet thread with pleasing results. Unwaxed dental floss can work for shorter, lighter weight garlands but, in our experience, the knots have a tendency to slide out over time and most floss nowadays is waxed. Waxed linen thread is a great option if you wish to make a long garland with extra large beads, as it allows for tying very strong knots (it is on the thicker side though, so make sure it will pass through the bead holes).
If you wish to secure your knots extra well, consider adding a tiny drop of fabric glue (like Aleene's Tacky Glue) and gently working it into the cord fibers.
5 additional garland designs are linked here: 5 Retro and Festive Glass Beaded Garland Patterns
Woodland Carnival is a pretty mix of glossy and matte beads that fits in beautifully with a wide range of decor styles.
This is the beading pattern to follow:
Pattern #1: E A E D C D B D C D E A E
Pattern #2: F G F H E D B D E H F G F
Your garland will begin and end with pattern #1. String pattern #1 onto your cord, followed by pattern #2 and repeat this sequence, ending in pattern #1. Your garland will have 7 sections of pattern #1 and 6 sections of pattern #2. Completed length is approximately 71" which is 5 ft. 11 in.
This is the bead code:
A = 10mm gold GBR10G ~ 14 beads needed
B = Matte flowers GB013MCY ~ 13 beads needed
C = Aqua diamonds GB004AQ ~ 14 beads needed
D = Amber spacers GBC03A ~ 33 beads needed
E = 8mm burgundy GBR8BU ~ 40 beads needed
F = 6mm aqua GBR6AQ ~ 24 beads needed
G = 3-bump pink GB085PK ~ 12 beads needed
H = Gold acorns GB018G ~ 12 beads needed
Classic Christmas features glossy shades of green, burgundy and silver separated by golden amber spacer beads.
Pattern #1: A B C B A B E B A B C B A
Pattern #2: B D B C B F B C B D B
Your garland will begin and end with pattern #1. String pattern #1 onto your cord, followed by pattern #2 and repeat this sequence, ending in pattern #1. Your garland will have 10 sections of pattern #1 and 9 sections of pattern #2. Completed length is approximately 75" which is 6 ft. 3 in.
A = 8mm burgundy GBR8BU ~ 40 beads needed
B = Amber spacers GBC03A ~ 114 beads needed
C = 10mm dark green GBR10DKG ~ 38 beads needed
D = Pale green petal GB019PCG ~ 18 beads needed
E = Silver spiral tube GB083S ~ 10 beads needed
F = Faceted burgundy ball GB080BU~ 9 beads needed
Multi-Color Mix features glossy colorful round and textured beads separated by clear spacer beads.
Pattern #1: A B C B A B D B A B C B A
Pattern #2: B E B G B A B F B A B G B E B
Your garland will begin and end with pattern #1. String pattern #1 onto your cord, followed by pattern #2 and repeat this sequence, ending in pattern #1. Your garland will have 11 sections of pattern #1 and 10 sections of pattern #2. Completed length is approximately 75" which is 6 ft. 3 in.
A = 6mm pink GBR6PK ~ 64 beads needed
B = Clear spacers GBC03C ~ 146 beads needed
C = 8mm forest green GBR8FG ~ 22 beads needed
D = 10mm gold GBR10G ~ 11 beads needed
E = Aqua faceted GB080AQ ~ 20 beads needed
F = Red quilted drop GB055R~ 10 beads needed
G = 10mm burgundy GBR10BU ~ 20 beads needed
Item No. GBR6AQ
These glossy aqua round 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 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sold in ...(click for more)
Item No. GBR6PK
These glossy pink round 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 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sold in ...(click for more)
Item No. GBR8BU
These glossy burgundy round 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 8mm, which is approx. 5/16". Sold i...(click for more)
Item No. GBR10BU
These glossy burgundy round 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 10mm, which is just over 3/8". Sold...(click for more)
Item No. GBR10DKG
These glossy dark green round 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 10mm, which is just over 3/8". So...(click for more)
Item No. GBR10G
These glossy gold round 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 10mm, which is just over 3/8". Sold in ...(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. GB004AQ
These glossy aqua diamond cut 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 23mm, which is just under 1". Sold in grou...(click for more)
Item No. DFW276-G-DBL
Sheet of 102 miniature Dresden flowers, each measuring 3/8". Gold foil on front and back. Made in Germany.
Item No. DFW276-S-DBL
Sheet of 102 miniature Dresden flowers, each measuring 3/8". Silver foil on front and back. 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. 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. GB019PCG
These glossy pale celery green flower bud 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 18mm, which is 3/4"...(click for more)
Item No. DFW850-G-DBL
Sheet of 36 Dresden flowers, each measuring 5/8". Gold foil on front and reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DFW850-S-DBL
Sheet of 36 Dresden flowers, each measuring 5/8". Silver foil on front and reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. GB085PK
These glossy pink faceted ball 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 1" long and 1/4" wide -- faceted bumps are 8 m...(click for more)
Item No. DF8316G
Sheet of 21 Dresden medallions that can also double as halos, measuring approx 1" across. Gold foil on both sides. Made in Germany.
Item No. DF8316S
Sheet of 21 Dresden medallions that can also double as halos, measuring approx 1" across. Silver foil on both sides. Made in Germany.
Item No. GB018G
These glossy gold acorn 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 19mm, which is 3/4". Sold in groups of 6, please...(click for more)
Item No. GB013MCY
These matte palest yellow fancy flower 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 18mm, which is about 5/8" long. S...(click for more)
Item No. GB083S
These glossy silver ribbed 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 1-1/2" long and measures just over 1...(click for more)
Item No. GBC03A
These amber colored glass spacer beads are the perfect accents to extend garlands and embellish beaded icicle ornaments. Each bead measures about 1/8" across and 1/8" high (4.5 mm). Made in the Czech Republic. Sold in groups of 100, please enter the number of groups desired below.
Item No. GBC03C
These clear glass spacer beads are the perfect accents to extend garlands and embellish beaded icicle ornaments. Each bead measures about 1/8" across and 1/8" high (4.5 mm). Made in the Czech Republic. Sold in groups of 100, please enter the number of groups desired below.
Item No. HOOK-03-G
Set of 10 gold hooks for crafting beaded ornaments or garlands. Each measures about 5/8" long. Made in the Czech Republic.
Item No. HOOK-03-S
Set of 10 silver hooks for crafting beaded ornaments or garlands. Each measures about 5/8" long. Made in the Czech Republic.
Item No. GB080AQ
These glossy aqua faceted ball 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 13mm, which is just over 1/2". Sold in gr...(click for more)
Item No. GB080DKG
These glossy dark green faceted ball 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 13mm, which is just over 1/2". Sold i...(click for more)
Item No. GB080DT
These glossy dark teal faceted ball 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 13mm, which is just over 1/2". Sold in...(click for more)
Item No. GB080G
These glossy gold faceted ball 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 13mm, which is just over 1/2". Sold in grou...(click for more)
Item No. GB080PRBL
These pearl blue faceted ball 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 13mm, which is just over 1/2". Sold in group...(click for more)
Item No. GB080PRRO
These pearl rose pink faceted ball 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 13mm, which is just over 1/2". Sold in ...(click for more)
Item No. GB080PK
These glossy pink faceted ball 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 13mm, which is just over 1/2". Sold in grou...(click for more)
Item No. GB080BU
These glossy burgundy faceted ball 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 13mm, which is just over 1/2". Sold i...(click for more)
Item No. STR-10-GRY
Card contains 2 meters (approx. 6-1/2 feet) of 100% natural silk bead cord with a stainless steel needle attached to one end for ease of stringing. Silk is strong with very little stretch making it an ideal choice for garland making. Cord is size #10 in grey and measures approx 0.9 mm wide. Made in Germany.
Item No. STR-10-JG
Card contains 2 meters (approx. 6-1/2 feet) of 100% natural silk bead cord with a stainless steel needle attached to one end for ease of stringing. Silk is strong with very little stretch making it an ideal choice for garland making. Cord is size #10 in jade green and measures approx 0.9 mm wide. Made in Germany.
Item No. STR-10-WH
Card contains 2 meters (approx. 6-1/2 feet) of 100% natural silk bead cord with a stainless steel needle attached to one end for ease of stringing. Silk is strong with very little stretch making it an ideal choice for garland making. Cord is size #10 in natural white and measures approx 0.9 mm wide. Made in Germany.
Item No. STR-8-GRY
Card contains 2 meters (approx. 6-1/2 feet) of 100% natural silk bead cord with a stainless steel needle attached to one end for ease of stringing. Silk is strong with very little stretch making it an ideal choice for garland making. Cord is size #8 in grey and measures approx 0.8 mm wide. Made in Germany.
Item No. STR-8-JG
Card contains 2 meters (approx. 6-1/2 feet) of 100% natural silk bead cord with a stainless steel needle attached to one end for ease of stringing. Silk is strong with very little stretch making it an ideal choice for garland making. Cord is size #8 in jade green and measures approx 0.8 mm wide. Made in Germany.
Item No. STR-8-WH
Card contains 2 meters (approx. 6-1/2 feet) of 100% natural silk bead cord with a stainless steel needle attached to one end for ease of stringing. Silk is strong with very little stretch making it an ideal choice for garland making. Cord is size #8 in natural white and measures approx 0.8 mm wide. Made in Germany.