On the 10th Day of Christmas – Art Bead Cards

I made some unusually large beads, covered with decorative papers and images, and wasn’t sure how to use them. Then I remembered a Christmas project I made some years back, and instead of using buttons for the closure, I used one of my large art beads. Any art bead would work.

The design is for a Christmas or holiday card, that opens up and fastens using a loop and the art bead to become a holiday ornament for the house or tree.

It calls for paper, decorative stamps and other fun things. This might be a good project to do with kids, letting them help with the decorating of the papers. And it’s a good opportunity to recycle, using last year’s holiday cards and other cardboard you may have around the house.

The full instructions are on my blog, I didn’t want to take up too much room here, so I put the measurements and extensive step by step how-to photos there.

The fun thing is that any type or style of art bead can be used, to reflect your personal decorating style. I like rustic, vintage looks but if you like something modern or graphic, use a different type of art bead for the closure to suit your own visual style.

These are a multi-purpose gift, doubling as a holiday greeting card that keeps giving by becoming an ornament for the tree, or even a centerpiece for a holiday table setting.

The one pictured is 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ square, but they could be made even smaller if you prefer. Teensy little mouse books!

They’re simple, they don’t need a lot of supplies, and they give another use for special art beads.

Enjoy!