I made beaded napkin rings which also make cute ornaments and gifts.
The holiday season is stressful with decorating, buying gifts, cooking, and entertaining, but let’s face it, it should also be fun!
Making these beaded napkin rings and or ornaments is fast and fun, so include your kids, nieces, and nephews to join in and create a family event.
MAKING THIS TARGET ORNAMENT INTO A BEADED NAPKIN RING.
SUPPLIES I USED FOR THIS PROJECT
Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
How To Make This Beaded Napkin Ring and Tree Ornament
- Use any ornament that you like, but make sure it is shatterproof, glass ornaments would not work well.
- Thread a coordinating ribbon through the top of the ornament.
- Next use a large bored needle to thread wooden beads, I used 10-11 beads.
- Tie the two ends of the ribbon together to form a circle and leave enough ribbon to tie a bow.
That is all there is to it! How cute, and the possibilities are endless!
I think anyone would love to receive a set of napkin rings with festive napkins as a gift!
PROJECT TWO
The following napkin rings and ornaments are a little more complicated, but the result is worth it.
I used oyster shells for this project. The challenge is drilling a hole with a Dremel for the ribbon or string to pass through.
Don’t let this discourage you. The oyster shells without holes can be used for projects such as small ring holders or decorative objects for a table; therefore, the hole is unnecessary.
I did find these pre-drilled oyster shells on Amazon here. If you try these, let me know what you think.
OYSTER SHELLS
Decoupaging oyster shells has become somewhat popular over the last couple of years. Living in Florida, I frequently see them in boutique shops, and they always catch my eye.
A small portion of oyster shells and shells, in general, are used for crafting, but oyster shells are an intricate part of the environmental ecosystem.
You may find this article interesting regarding their use as water filtration, not only in Florida but in other parts of the United States. You can find the link to the article here.
MAKING THE OYSTER SHELLS INTO AN ORNAMENT OR NAPKIN RING.
I’m sure your first question is, “Where do I get oyster shells”?
Amazon is a great source, but I have also seen them on eBay and shell stores.
When buying oyster shells, make sure to notice the sizes.
The larger oysters are easier to decoupage and double-check to ensure they are clean.
Supplies I Used For Making This Project
Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
- Oyster Shells
- White Acrylic Paint
- Napkins
- Wooden Beads
- Ribbon
- Gold Paint
- Paint Brush
- Mod Podge – Glossy
- Large Bore Needle
- Dremel
- Pencil
Decoupaging Oyster Shells
- Gather Supplies
- Paint the Inside Surface of the Oyster Shell White
Oyster shells frequently have a dark circle on the surface, showing through the napkin design. Therefore, it is best to paint the inside with white acrylic paint.
- Separate Napkin
Once you have picked your designed napkin, separate the napkin; they usually come in two or three-ply. Next, place the oyster shell upside down on the napkin and loosely outline the shape of the shell to give you a rough idea when cutting. If it overlaps the sides, gently pull down the edges of the napkin, and it will tear away.
- Paint the Edges of the Shell with Gold Metallic Paint
I like to paint the shell edge with gold paint first before decoupaging; it is easier for me. I feel I have more control of the gold color. I have seen it done both ways, decoupaging first then adding the painted edges.
- Decoupage with Mod Podge being gentle not to rip the napkin and allow it to completely dry.
- Add Beads
I used a large-bore needle and threaded it with either ribbon or string. I used about 10 to 12 beads.
- Tie ribbon into a knot completing the circle.
I have seen these exact types of decorated oyster shells in boutique stores in my area, starting at $25.00 and upward for one.
They make great gifts and are a unique addition to any decor.
A FEW HELPFUL HINTS
- Don’t skip the step of painting the inside of the oyster white because the black inside will show through the napkin.
- Use metallic gold paint, the one I suggested gives a beautiful gold sheen and makes the shell sparkle.
- Try and pick a napkin design that is not to intricate and complicated. There is not a lot of space to work within, or pick just one focal design.
- I like painting the back of the oyster, but if you prefer a more natural look skip painting the back.
- When adding the napkin, use a piece of seran wrap to smooth instead of your fingers. There is less chance the napkin will rip.
If you enjoy crafting, here are a few Christmas projects you may enjoy…
PIN FOR LATER
Leave me a comment if you have any questions or if you give these crafts a try!
Have fun this Holiday Season!
SWEET CHRISTMAS TOPIARY
What Are Your Favorite Accessories To Decorate With?
DIY Home Decor Using Shells
A FEW 4th OF JULY ACTIVITIES TO MAKE WITH KIDS.
Leslie Watkins says
Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for your inspiration!
Karen says
Thanks Leslie!
Paula@SweetPea says
Both versions of your napkin rings are gorgeous and I love that they also make a beautiful Christmas ornament.
Cindy says
These are both gorgeous!
Kim says
Oh, they’re both just so sweet and lovely. I don’t think I could pick a favorite.
Stacey says
I agree, the holidays should be fun and not just stressful. This is such a cool idea! A napkin ring for a beautiful Christmas dinner that transforms into an ornament is genius.