This craft is a great way to recycle old faux pearl necklaces and is easy enough to do with your children.
Here are the supplies that I used: 1. Soft gold craft paint~I used "Champagne" by Folk Art. 2. White craft paint~ you could use spray paint too. 3. White glitter 4. Wooden shapes~The stars are from Hobby Lobby and come in a pack of 4 for 99 cents. I also used crosses and hearts and am still looking for a few birds. 5. Clear drying craft glue 6. Rick rack, lace or ribbon 7. Sheet music or pieces of scrap booking paper 8. Faux pearls~the older the better. I found several strands at estate sales and thrift stores. Many of the necklaces were literally just hanging by a thread.
You will want to paint the entire surface of the wood in your choice of soft gold or white. (The clothespins are for another craft.)
This is a good phase to involve your kids as it doesn't have to be perfect.
Once the pieces are completely dry you will want to sand the edges to create a worn look. Or you can skip this step.
Next, if your wooden piece does not have a hole at the top for hanging then you will want to create one via a drill or a hammer and nail. You also have the option of just gluing a ribbon loop onto the back. Thread your selected piece of ribbon (I used antique lace.) though the hole. After the first two stars I began using a large needle and it was much easier.
On the opposite side of your wooden ornament glue on a paper backing. On some of my ornaments I left the paper plain, others received an edging of glitter, but my favorite technique was applying a thin layer of soft gold paint over the paper.
I created a big mix of white, cream, gray, pink and champagne colored pearls.
Coat the front of the piece with a GENEROUS amount of glue. Scoop up a handful of pearls and cover the entire surface. Shake off the excess and go back and place a pearl in any empty spaces.
Let the piece dry completely. It will have some weight to it, so hang the ornament on a heavier tree branch.
Create shapes that suit your style.
You can also group the pieces on a tray, tie one onto a package or around a dinner napkin.
