Summer crafts: Beading Bliss

   When my beading group takes a holiday at the Vineyard, we each carry a surprise craft. Since mine is a secret, I will show you what I took the first time we went, in 2006. I really can't equal or top that idea but I am busy gathering my goods.

(click to enlarge tableware)

    To create this beaded tableware, I bought some stemware inexpensively at the China Fair in Cambridge or Newton and had an old set of barely used and not terribly handsome cutlery.
    Well, now to jazz them up!

    I believe I bought the 20 guage silver-like wire at JoAnne's, Michael's or ACMoore and then picked up some 8mm faceted multi-colored beads. I didn't know that multi-colored plastic beads could look so cheerful.

    We use the tableware each year when we return. Give it a try! Oh, you will need a wire cutter and maybe, but not necessarily, needlenose pliers. The wire is malleable and doesn't need soldering. Just wind it tightly, firmly.