Book Tales
When my son was in 2nd grade we made these Book Tales using waxed linen thread and leftover beads for his classmates for Valentine’s day in lieu of the traditional store bought cards and candy attached. This is a great project to make with your kids and you can use just about any beads you have lying around to clear off your beading table (and I know you can use the room!). These make great teacher gifts and are super to have on hand for anytime that you need a quick thank your for someone.
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| {Find beads with holes that fit the stringing material you will use!} |
Start with a handful of beads.
They can be any type from wood, resin metal or even art beads.
Don’t forget spacers, charms and bead caps, too!
Gather a few yards of some stringing material,
like suede cord in fun colors or waxed linen thread.
You will need about 15″ per Book Tale.
Start by stringing beads in any pleasing order you like onto your stringing material.
Tie knots in between the beads to secure them. End with a knot.
Leave about10-12″ in between the beads and
string a smaller section of beads for the opposite end.
Be sure to test that your knots are large enough
so that the beads don’t slide off!
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| {A variety of beads…lampwork glass, marbelized wood, ceramic, glass and stone} |
Tuck these Book Tales into a favorite book, or add it to a gift certificate to your favorite local bookseller.
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| {Lampwork bead from Julsbeads on Etsy} |
If you know someone who is matchy-matchy, or someone who doesn’t read,
tie a shorter length of cord onto a jump ring and add that to a key ring for an instant gift!
Enjoy the day!
Erin Prais-Hintz writes about all things that inspire her at Treasures Found::Inspiration Is Everywhere. Her jewelry designs are one-of-a-kind made one-at-a-time. She collects quotes and dust and invites you to send her your favorite (quote – not dust!) to [email protected]. Check out her brand spankin’ new website at Tesori Trovati.
Heidi
December 17, 2010 at 6:14 pmWhat a wonderful idea! And a good way to use up those pretty beads of which you only have one left 🙂
Elizabeth
December 18, 2010 at 1:00 amI've doing this for sometime and they are always well received. Like Heidi said, great way to use up loner beads. Simple.
CraftCrave
December 18, 2010 at 1:07 amJust a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [18 Dec 01:00am GMT]. Thanks, Maria
My Life Under the Bus
December 18, 2010 at 2:14 amWhat a great last minute idea!!
KeRobinson
December 18, 2010 at 11:44 amthanks! Love this idea 🙂
Desert Wind Designs
December 18, 2010 at 6:26 pmThese are great! I've been wanting some ideas for simple book marks. Love this idea!
lienime = )
December 18, 2010 at 11:23 pmSo great! These look amazing!
=)
Imaginative Jewelry
December 19, 2010 at 2:19 pmErin, these are very good sellers. People appreciate receiving them too.
I like your name better than the one I had for them (book thongs)
JeannieK
December 19, 2010 at 2:44 pmThe best part is making these with the kids.
Erin, those art beads you used are so pretty.