beaded bugs

Subject: beaded bugs Fri Aug 21, 2009 8:42 am

24-gauge wire in assorted colors
Wire cutters
Assorted glass beads
Needle-nose pliers

Cut an 8" length of 24-gauge wire. To make the hanging loop, fold the wire in half and twist the wire just below the fold. Trim off the excess wire.

Ghost. With the wire ends together, thread a large bead for the head on the wire so it is against the hanging loop. Separate the wires below the head, and shape a 1"-long arm on each side of the ghost. Thread a smaller hand bead on each arm. Bring the wire ends together about 2" below the head, forming the bottom of the ghost. Thread two small beads on the wire ends and use the pliers to twist the ends together, shaping the wire into a spiral.

Beaded Ghost. With the wire ends together, thread a large bead for the head on the wire so it is against the hanging loop. Separate the wires and shape a 1"-long arm on each side of the ghost. Bring the wire ends together about 2" below the head, forming the bottom of the ghost. Thread small beads to completely cover the wires and twist the wire ends together.

Bat. With the wire ends together, thread a large bead for the body and a smaller bead for the head on the wire so the body bead is against the hanging loop. Separate the wires and make a small bump in each wire for the ears. Bring the wires down on opposite sides of the head bead, and wrap the wires one time around the space between the head and body beads. Shape a 1" to 1-1/2" wing on each side of the bat. Twist the wire ends around the base of the hanging loop. If necessary, use the pliers to squeeze points in the wings.

Spider. With the wire ends together, thread a large bead for the body and a smaller bead for the head on the wire so the body bead is against the hanging loop. Cut the wires 1/4" beyond the head bead and use the pliers to loop the ends back onto themselves. For the legs, cut four 3" lengths of wire. Wrap the center of each leg wire around the space between the head and body beads. Bend the eight legs at the knees and feet.