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not martha

to make : ridiculously easy wine glass charms

I decided to make sets of 12 charms each, so I got 12 different colors
I decided to make sets of 12 charms each, so I got 12 different colors

I bought 6mm druk beads (simple Czech glass) - I originally wanted 8mm but those did not fit over the rounded wire
I bought 6mm druk beads (simple Czech glass) - I originally wanted 8mm but those did not fit over the rounded wire

I bought base metal (as opposed to sterling silver) 1 inch hoops that are actually earring findings - they also carried 3/4 inch which probably would have worked out even better, but may have created more problems getting the bead on
I bought base metal (as opposed to sterling silver) 1" hoops that are actually earring findings - they also carried 3/4" which probably would have worked out even better, but may have created more problems getting the bead on

detail of the ends, one is flattened and has a hole punched in it creating it's own clasp later detail of the ends, one is flattened and has a hole punched in it creating it's own clasp later

STEP ONE: put the bead on
STEP ONE: put the bead on

STEP TWO: grab the regular end with some pliers (needle nose would work best if you have them) - just 1/4 inch or less. I found holding the hoop right where I was going to bend it worked best
STEP TWO: grab the regular end with some pliers (needle nose would work best if you have them) - just 1/4" or less. I found holding the hoop right where I was going to bend it worked best

STEP THREE: bend upwards
STEP THREE: bend upwards

STEP FOUR: admire your work. Slip the flattened end with the hole over the bent end to secure.
STEP FOUR: admire your work. Slip the flattened end with the hole over the bent end to secure.

detail of closed charm
detail of closed charm


If it doesn't want to hold, gently pull the hoop open so that it will have some tension when closed.
If it doesn't want to hold, gently pull the hoop open so that it will have some tension when closed.

ta da!
ta da!



I packaged some in those glass topped favor containers which are so trendy these days.
I packaged some in those glass topped favor containers which are so trendy these days.

These simple wine charms are so easy to make it's silly. All I ended buying were the hoops and the beads themselves. I bought my hoops at JewelrySupply.com - base metal silver, 100 for $9. The beads I bought at General Bead here in San Francisco. They came in units of 25 for $1.50 to $3.00 per unit. I also found the hoops at General Bead. If you want you can get more complex and start adding charms attached with little jump rings.

Here are some wine glass charms being sold you can use for examples and inspiration:
at red envelope
at plum party
at sur la table

There are a few places with more complete instructions on making you own wine glass charms:
how to make at rings-things
how to make at jewelry supply
how to make at beadland

And a few threads on wine glass charms at Glitter:
one and
two

And the very clever Jenny make personalized wine glass charms with shrinky dinks!