I have a bunch of large wooden beads, all brown, that came from one of those seat covers I bought years ago for my Dad. After Dad passed away, no one wanted this thing, and it was showing some wear, so I cut it apart, boxed up the beads, and stored them in the basement. They’ve been on my mind lately. When I ran across this blog article, I discovered I’d found what I want to make with these beads.
http://www.10000greatideas.com/idea.php?idea=1180&sid=3
These beads are easy enough to spray paint. To do that with the least amount of mess, you need a cardboard box, some spray paints, some wooden or metal skewers and something to stand those skewers in – styrofoam or cardboard – anything that will allow the skewers to stand upright. Place the skewers several inches apart and load one or more beads onto each skewer. Using the box as your paint ‘booth’, give the beads a coat of spray. Let dry and repeat if you need to. One nice effect on any color bead can be achieved with a gold mist spray paint. Doesn’t change the color. Just creates a neat effect that will work well for jewelry.
In the example pictured above, you can’t really see any crochet. But, there are instructions on the linked page. I’d vary the size of beads a bit. Might be nice to throw in some plastic beads too. Since the beads are so large, you need to use only wood or plastic to keep the weight light. You could even extend the size to make a belt. Good way to recycle any beads you have on hand as this would work with much smaller beads too. Just be sure the hole of the beads is large enough to accommodate the yarn/thread and hook you want to use. Have fun!
WOW those are beautiful! that came out soo wonderful! I too lost my father to non hodgekins lymphoma that took him in 8 mos after diagnosis. We never knew he was ill until just one day… anyhow, I have so many things of his and YOU have inspired me to do something with his items. I NEVER thought to make Jewelry!! my sister will FLIP when I get around to making something and send it to her! I have a bad cold and am sitting browsing online but this is a DEFINATE TO DO !!! Thank you so much!! I bet you will think of your father everytime you wear it! Hope what ever I come up with will make my sister and I smile in remembrance!!