The cool, crisp touches of autumn have begun creeping into the air over the last few weeks and I realize it’s that time of year where I need to start making plans for my annual Thanksgiving crafts and ideas. It’s time to start thinking about which fall crafts I will do for my home, which I will do with my children, which I will do with a group of friends. Is this the year I will finally plan some actual Thanksgiving Day crafts…and if so, which easy Thanksgiving craft can I come up with to keep the kids busy while I baste the turkey, brown the bread, and bake the pies?
Well, this year I thought I was well ahead of schedule because I had decided to make some beautiful wire napkin rings as part of my holiday table décor. Sometimes just taking the time to make ONE new item to grace the holiday table is more important that cramming too much into this already busy holiday time. Today, I would like to share with you my idea that could easily be included in your handmade holiday Thanksgiving ideas list. With just the basic jewelry tools and a few great supplies, you too can add a touch of the unique to your holiday décor with this quick and easy Thanksgiving craft!
Vintage Button Wire Napkin Ring
size: approx. 1-1/2” diameter
Whether using true vintage buttons with family memories attached or fabulous replicas like those shown here, these gorgeous napkin rings will lend a touch of nostalgia and charm to any tablescape.
Materials
- Pure copper wire, 14-gauge, 12” length (for each ring)
- Beadalon Gunmetal Artistic Wire, 20-gauge
- Buttons Galore & More Gold Vintage Button with Shank Back
- Connie Crystal Round Bead, 6mm, two (for each ring)
Tools
- Heavy-duty wire cutters
- Beadalon: Wire Snips, Round-Nose Pliers, Chain-Nose Pliers
- Midas Black/Brown Patina
- Wooden dowel, 1-1/2” diameter (or mandrel)
- Hot glue gun and sticks
Basic Supplies
ruler
Directions
1. Cut 12” length of copper wire. Wrap around around wooden dowel three times. Remove from dowel and dip wire into diluted Black/Brown Patina following manufacturer’s instructions. Let dry.
2. Once wire ring is fully dried, thread gold vintage button onto center of middle wrap. Use hot glue to attach button to ring.
3. Use round-nose pliers to turn ends of wire into small curls at each end.
4. Use wire snips to cut two 3” lengths of Gunmetal wire. Thread one round crystal onto center of wire. Wrap one end of wire just below top curl at end of wire ring. Wrap three times above and three times below crystal; use wire snips to trim ends. Use chain-nose pliers to press ends of wire against wire ring. Repeat with second length of wire on opposite end of napkin ring.
5. Repeat Steps 1-4 for each additional napkin ring needed.
Keri Lee Sereika (www.pinklemonade.typepad.com)
