A collection of contemporary and heirloom ornaments – suspended on jewelled ribbons and wires – simply sparkles.

Take a look at a larger image of the finished ornaments.

You need:
Various sizes, shapes and styles of glass, ceramic, crystal, plastic and metal beads (new or recycled from costume jewelry) and clip-on metal letter "tiles"
Narrow ribbons
28-gauge wire
Pliers with wire cutters

To make: (from left)
Ribbon hangers
Thread ribbon through beads, one at a time or in groups (or along entire length), knotting above and below each bead or group to secure. Or clip on letter "tiles."

Beaded wire hangers
Thread wire through beads, one at a time or in groups, twisting above and below each bead or group to secure.

Wire hangers with beaded branches
Using single length of wire (3 to 4 times desired finished length), shape beaded "branches" up length as follows: Thread wire through bead, then tightly twist wire ends together for 1 to 2.5 cm (3/8 to 1 in); thread 1 wire end through second bead and twist wire ends together in same manner. Repeat to add desired number of beads. At bottom of branch, separate wire ends, using top end to form next branch as you work your way up hanger. Take a look at the beaded branches detail.

Designer's notes:
• Use faceted beads, such as cut crystal or glass, instead of smooth ones, for more sparkle.

• Make wire tendrils, if desired, by twisting wire ends around skewer or pencil to shape.

This story was originally titled "Bejeweled & Beautiful" in the January 2009 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!