I’ve had a few questions about my garlands, and if they are hard to make. NO THEY ARE SO EASY!!! Of course you can always order one from Amazon, or Hobby Lobby, but sometimes its just nice to do it yourself.
Want the exact same beads?! Materials linked at the bottom of this post.
Is it cheaper to “do it yourself” when making a garland?
My answer: yes, and no…
If you are only making one garland… its probably going to be more expensive. However, if you love being crafty and having a little pride in your decorations because you make them, then its worth it. If you are planning on making more than one, such as two or more of the same colored garland, then yes it is cheaper!
(Or if you want to really save just buy the beads in bulk and use them through whatever seasons and colors you want. And over time you’ll have the rainbow;)
Now there are ways you could die beads cheaper. Or you could put them on a dowel and just paint them. If you’re wanting like a white or super light color, that usually works best.
In my garlands I have both. Dyed bead + painted beads. And the checkered beads? Those are from Amazon. I don’t have time for that! 🙂
1. Get your beads. I bought a bunch in bulk so I could sell a few. This helps me to break even and not cost me a dime to decorate.
Hint* you’ll probably want to paint (spray paint) if you want a white color like this Garland. And the buffalo check beads— not in the cards for me to have time to hand paint those! So I bought those as well. Link to follow.
2. Trust me, you’ll want to buy RIT dye. But take note! It usually turns out darker than you’d think. I really like the look of the dyed beads though. It just looks natural to me. I think that’s why I like it.
I might suggest you PLAN ahead. Get colors you can use in the future. You can see I’ve used black in a couple different garlands. Saves me money!
3. Small wooden dowels make dying (or painting) so much easier. 10/10 recommend.
4. Paper towels or paper plates. (less mess & easy cleanup!)
5. Really high quality jute cording. * Mine wasn’t the best!! darn it! so I used a type of wrapped floral wire. It worked great, and then I tied the jute to each end. It adds a step, but I did not want my beaded garland breaking with a toddler in the house.
6. Scissors,
Okay! I took pics to hopefully help ya out.
1. Boil water, turn down, add dye, add beads to dye, let simmer, (honestly as long as you want. My best ones were in there for nearly an hour).
2. Take them out. (Rinse) let dry. I use paper plates. Haven’t had a problem and man it’s easy clean up! (And if I need to stop it’s easy to move the plates.)
3. After the beads are dry, thread them in your desired pattern. Make sure you jute strong is GOOD STUFF. And if it’s not, use something stronger and then tie your jute tassels at the end like I did.
*people ask how long?? There’s no wrong answer. If you need a shorter one, go for it! Perfect for a tray or to put around a sign or frame. I have 14-16”, 26”, and about 30” and they all have different uses. It’s for you so be proud of being a bit different. Make it & love it.
4. make sure your cording it tight (no gaps) and then you will add your tassels. I just tie and loop and make it strong. The end is undoubtedly the biggest temptation for people to touch. So make it strong.
5. To make your own tassel, I found that wrapping around your hand works fine. Then grab a separate string tie, knot, then tie & knot to each end of your garlands. Cut of extreme excess and then loop around and back through a couple beads, just to be safe.
Optional: Pro tip I guess…… (if you’re having a hard time with those jute tassels just grab a hot glue gun for those top pieces, wrap the jute around and use a tiny bit of glue. Might save you a little time and a few choice words 😉
6. Admire you’re product lady!! You did it!!
I have loved my garlands and I will definitely have more throughout my house. It has been relaxing mixing the dyes and watching them change color, and its a super simple, super easy craft that looks amazing.
I want to see yours too, so please sent them to me! Materials used below!
Stay Crafty! XOXO
Kelsie Ann
Disclaimer: this article contains affiliated links that I may or may not earn a commission from.
Materials Used:
2. Buffalo Check Bead (black & white)
4. RIT Black dye (mine is as charcoal gray due to availability with Covid-19
P.S. I can’t wait for my tiered tray to come so I can do some fun decorating with it. Stay tuned!
