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Dare to Make It: Holiday

Make a Sparkling Centerpiece

comments (1) November 27th, 2009

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kayte terry, contributor

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Simple branches gathered from the yard coupled with sparkling beaded icicles.

These beaded icicles mimic the magical way ice gleams and glows in the light.

Use the trees in your yard as inspiration for your branch arrangement.

Simple branches gathered from the yard coupled with sparkling beaded icicles.

Photo: Sloan Howard

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Sometimes, there’s nothing better than getting back to the basics. Simple branches gathered from the yard coupled with sparkling beaded icicles provide a lovely contrast to all the lights, bows, and rich fabrics of holiday decorating. Here, silver and crystal beads mimic shades of ice, but you can choose different colors to complement your home décor. This stunning centerpiece is perfect for a table or mantel and can even be used as an alternative to a Christmas tree.

What You'll Need:
8 to 12 branches
20-gauge wire (FireMountainGems.com)
Floral foam to fit vase (Michaels.com)
Large vase
Metal and glass beads, 10 to 15 per icicle (FireMountainGems.com)
Ornament hangers
Round-nose pliers and wire cutters (Michaels.com, FireMountainGems.com)

Make Beaded Icicle Ornaments
If you have ever taken a close look at ice, you know it’s simply stunning. These beaded icicles mimic the magical way ice gleams and glows in the light.

1. Use wire cutters to cut 20 lengths of wire. They should vary in length from 8 to 12 inches.

2. Make a loop. Use round-nose pliers to make a small loop at one end of each wire.

3. Add the beads. Slide beads on each wire in your desired sequence.

4. Make a loop at the top for hanging. Then, add an ornament hanger.

Arrange the Branches, and Decorate
After you’ve made your ornaments, it’s time to collect the branches. Use the trees in your yard as inspiration for your branch arrangement. Choose branches of different thicknesses and sizes. Typically, “less is more.”

1. Fill the vase. Fill a large container with floral foam. I chose a tall, tin bucket to accent the icy color scheme.

2. Arrange the branches. Add branches by pushing them into the foam.

3. Hang the icicles. Place icicles on the branches, as desired.

Tips:

Wire hangers - If you don’t have ornament hangers, you can easily make your own by cutting 2-inch pieces of wire and forming them into “S” shapes with pliers.

Don’t get top heavy - If you’re making a large arrangement, put a brick or rocks in the vase to secure the foam.

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