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