Made from copper, a stimulating metal in magical theory, this pretty spiral garden charm is meant to promote the growth and health of your plants. Hang it from a tree or large shrub where the breeze can blow it gently and encourage the beads sparkle in the sun. If a particular plant is looking pale, hang the charm from or near it and see if it revives! Or simply enjoy the craft for what it is, a bit of whimsy to add beauty to your garden.
What you need
1 7-inch copper ring or a 7-inch wooden embroidery hoop covered in copper spray paint
Approximately 6 feet of 16-gauge copper wire
Assorted glass beads
Utility scissors
Needle-nose pliers
Instructions
Cut one 6-inch and one 5 ½-foot length of wire. With your needle-nose pliers, twist a small spiral into the end of the longest piece of wire, approximately ½-inch in diameter. Select an assortment of beads that look good together. Random patterns are typically more attractive when the colors are harmonious. For this project I choose beads in clear glass and subtle earth tones.
Thread your beads onto the wire in a random pattern, pushing them to the end with the small spiral. When you’ve beaded approximately 24 inches of wire, begin shaping it into a spiral. Continue until you have a beaded spiral approximately 6 inches in diameter; it needs to fit into the hoop when finished.
For stability, loop the end of the wire down to the proceeding row of the spiral. Fit the wire between two beads and bend it back up to form a support structure between the two outer rows. Without support the spiral won’t maintain its shape when hung.
Wrap the wire around the copper hoop twice to secure the spiral to it. Form a loop at the top of the hoop to use as a hanger. Twist the wire to tighten the fixture securely. At this point you’ll have approximately 2 feet of extra wire. Do not cut it off.
Use your needle-nose pliers to make a small spiral on the end of the 6-inch piece of wire. String an accent bead or two onto wire. Fold the straight end of the wire over the copper hoop directly across from the display loop. Wrap the wire around the hoop once or twice, twist to secure and form any extra wire into a small decorative spiral.
Bend the extra wire from the top and begin carefully wrapping it around the hoop for a design accent. This wire won’t be structural but will add another layer of interest. Keep wrapping until you’ve made a complete circle. Cut off any remaining wire or shape it into a small spiral. Don’t panic if your center spiral gets pulled slightly out of shape. You can perfect it again before displaying.
Very nice idea. One suggestion if you want magical properties for this spiral, use semiprecious stone beads instead of glass. I used labradorite, Sunstone, moonstone, and green moss agate beads. (sun, moon, plant, and magic energies)
This is a good way to use up beads from a broken necklace or an odd earring.
I love this! I’m going to make it for my garden.
love this I work in a nursing home am looking for bead projects to hang on our Christmas trees we cant have lights on our Christmas tree so we need sparkle
I came across this a week or so ago, and today I ended up making 2 on a smaller size. They came out so good! Thank you
Love the spiral, will definitely make it for my garden.
Love this for my garden/patio, but I have not been able to find the copper ring. Any suggestions?
Every dollar store I went to had them in their craft aisle!
Love it. Can’t wait to make it. Awesome.
Awesome
Gorgeous!! Love it!!
I LOVE IT!!!!! I think it would be great as a Mother’s Day gift, Wedding Shower gift, Baby Shower gift (I always try to give a gift to the mom too so she has something for herself along with some body wash & lotion & a CD), May Day or Spring Equinox gift, or a gift for that special Art Teacher!
Lovely little charm