Shine Online June 2018 | Page 26

STEP 5

Wrap one of the remaining base wires around the bail to seal the opening, and spiral the end to finish. Do the same with the last base wire. This secures and finishes off the frame neatly.

STEP 6

Now to add the tree! Cut 6 lengths of 0.4mm wire approximately 4inches long. Put all the wires together and using your fingers, or pliers, twist them together slightly off centre. The twisted part will become the tree trunk, so shape this, and keep checking and adjusting it to fit the centre of your frame.

STEP 7

Lace the tree over the frame and when you are happy with the size and shape of the trunk, separate the roots out and the branches to give you an indication of how it’s all going to look.

STEP 8

Now to attach the roots to the base of the frame. This is why the tension I mentioned at the start is important. You are going to weave through the frame. Spread the roots out, remembering that it’s an organic design so you can’t really get it wrong. Wrap the first root between the two 1.25mm wires of your frame, and wrap to secure. Do the same with all of the roots and check there are no jagged edges.

STEP 9

Next use your creativity to thread on whatever combination of beads you choose to make a beautiful colourful tree!

Thread on one branch at a time, and as you did with the roots, thread each branch end through the frame and secure before moving on to the next.

STEP 10

Keep going till you have finished your branches. Next to add the finishing touches. Take a length of 0.4mm, thread it through where you can next to the roots, and add some green beads to give the appearance of grass.

Bring it round the front over the roots and attach at the other side. Finally take the lovely little butterfly charm and attach it to one of the branches. You're Finished!

26