All women and some men like beads of all sorts. Mardi Gras beads are beads that are enjoyed by all ages. Add these beads to a hanging basket and decorate with a reflective light to add a romantic mood to any location.
Things You’ll Need:
Hanging wire basket (the kind you put moss in for plants during the summer)
Spray paint for metal
60 strings of Mardi Gras bead
Scissors
18 gauge beading wire
Wire cutters
1 string 100 to 125 LED lights
Instructions:
Step 1 – Spray paint the wire basket and chain with the desired color. Allow the paint to dry 15 minutes before proceeding.
Step 2 – Look at a string of Mardi Gras beads. Locate the two beads that are fused together. Cut each string of Mardi Gras beads apart at this location.
Step 3 – Hot glue the Mardi Gras beads together to create one very long strand.
Step 4 – Cut approximately 200 pieces of 18 gauge beading wire 2-inches long.
Step 5 – Hang the hanging basket from a hook so you are able to get at all sides.
Step 6 – String the LED lights up and down, evenly spaced around the basket. Connect the LED lights to the basket rim with the 2-inch pieces of 18 gauge beading wire.
Step 7 – Connect the end of the string of beads to the bottom circle on the basket. String the beads to the center rim allowing enough slack to create the same curve as the basket’s side wire. Attach the beads to the wire at this location. Continue from the center rim to the top hook and attach the beads to the hook or top of the chain. Loop the beads and go back to the rim wire and connect. Continue to the bottom rim and connect. Repeat the connection process around the basket placing the beads approximately 3/8-inch apart around the basket rim.
Another option for lighting the Mardi Gras bead basket is placing a candle in the center of the basket. Simply move the beads to one side during the placement process.