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Monday, April 2, 2012

Beaded Crosses

Hi Crafters!
Welcome to the first Monday of April and the Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop.  I hope you'll take the time to hop around the blogs using the big blue button on the left of my entry.  After reading mine, of course!

This time in honor of Easter Week, I have designed Beaded Crosses and a step-by-step tutorial for them. 

These crosses are made with pressed glass beads (4mm and 6mm) and 28-gauge wire.  They are about 3 inches long.

But, this is a versatile design.  You can also use heavier (22-gauge) craft wire and acrylic beads.  This one is about 4 1/2 inches long.

So, the whole family can participate!  You could go smaller and create one with seed beads on thread.  Or, you can go bigger and use larger acrylic beads or large wood beads with plastic lacing or yarn.  The smaller ones look nice tied onto a ribbon and used as a bookmark.  Or, you can hang them in the window for a suncatcher.

Here's how:

Cut about a yard of wire and string on three smaller beads, one large bead and three smaller beads.



String another large bead on one side and pass the other wire through in the opposite direction.


String three small beads on each wire and a large bead on one side.  Pass the other wire through the large bead in the opposite direction.


Repeat this step once more for three circles of beads.  Now we're going to make the arms of the cross.


String a small bead, a large bead, three small, one large, and three small beads on on side.


Bring the end of the wire down and around and through the large bead closest to the center.


Hold the cross in the center and pull the end of the wire to tighten. 


Repeat for the other side.


Add a small bead on each side and one large bead on one side.  Pass the other wire through the center of the large bead in the opposite direction. 

Add three small beads on each side and one large bead on one side.  Pass the other wire through the large bead in the opposite direction.  Bring both wires up and twist together above the last bead.  Separate the wires and make a loop for hanging.  Twist the wires around the loop and trim the extra off with pliers or heavy scissors.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.  I'd love to know how you used this craft.  Please feel free to show it to friends and family.  And, please link back to me when you do so. 

Have a blessed Holy Week and a Happy Easter!
Terry

44 comments:

  1. beautiful beaded crosses and great tututorial!

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  2. Beautiful cross. I always look for something different in art and being so creative.

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  3. I love it !!! Going to make these right away. Thank you for sharing!!!

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  4. Replies
    1. Thank you so much for sharing this idea. I am a member of Emmaus and I was looking for a little cross to make for the cards I will create for agape love for the pilgrims. This is perfect. Again, thank you and God bless.

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    2. just love those crosses made 2 of them fora chriting, parents just loved them as well

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  5. love these and making them but I am just using thread and beading needle.

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  6. I love this cross. I have been making review mirror charms. I will also be making some necklaces. Chelle Renee @designsbyChelle'Me

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  7. Merci beaucoup pour ce tuto tres beau et facile

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  8. beautiful thanks for sharing

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  9. love the cross going to try one

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  10. Thanks, everyone! I'm so glad you like it.

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  11. Oh my goodness thank you very much I just made your cross after looking for some more jewelry ideas.the tutorial your prepared is wonderful easy to follow and makes an adorable cross thank you ma'am.

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  12. Thank you for sharing this. i think i will try and make it

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  13. Just dug out my beads, going to give this a try. Thank you.

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  14. This was wonderful. I used size 11/0 seed beads and firesides mine is very tiny and looks great on a bookmark that i made

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  15. I just finished my cross, I love it!!!! The steps and the tutorial were really easy to follow....thank you.

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  16. Wow!!!!! Thanks a lot for this tutorial. God bless you

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  17. I am a beginner but looking at your tutorial I am sure I can follow it.
    Thank you

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  18. Hi Terry,
    I live in Bangkok, Thailand. Every year our church helps refugees make ornaments to sell. This year we are making your crosses with them. I love the design, and it is simple to make. I'll send a few photos when we are finished. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Thank you for using this design in such a wonderful way, Kaarin! God bless you in your efforts. I look forward to the photos.

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  19. I volunteer in a nursing home and show them how to bead, their going to love this one. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

    Patty

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for using my design in such a wonderful way. I hope they enjoy it.

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  20. This design is spectacular! You definitely know how to keep a reader entertained.
    Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to
    start my own blog (well, almost...HaHa!) Excellent job.
    I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
    Too cool!

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  21. I have several G-Grand-daughters that range from 10 and 11 years and they love to learn how to do crafts . This year I just found your beautiful little cross and I will teach them how to make them !! One of them has autism so she can make them in rainbow colors that she loves !! Thank you so much !! I will be following you for more easy stuff !! God Bless you !!

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  22. Thank you so much for the pictures of how to make this beautiful little cross !! I have 5 G- Grand -Daughters and they like to make crafts ,so I think they will enjoy this !! One of them is autistic and she loves rainbow colors !! God bless you for sharing with us !! I will be following you to see more easy stuff you put on !!

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    Replies
    1. I love hearing how you are using this design, Wanita. God bless you and your family!

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  23. Greetings! This is my first visit to your blog!
    We are a team of volunteers and starting a new project
    in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us
    valuable information to work on. You have done a extraordinary job!

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  24. Hello.This article was really interesting, especially since I was investigating for thoughts
    on this subject last Saturday.

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  25. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I
    stumbleupon everyday. It will always be useful to read through content from
    other authors and use something from their websites.

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  26. Muy lindos y sencillos, gracias

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  27. Merci beaucoup pour le patron, j'espere que vous en aurez d'autres aussi bien expliqué.Moi j'apprécie la confection de bijoux.Bisousxxx

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  28. Beautiful! Nicely explained step by step on how to make one, very easy :)

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