I know Thanksgiving is just one week away, but I think it’s ok to start planning your Christmas decorations. And the mantel is a great place to start.
There really is nothing prettier then simple, and uncluttered, as far as I’m concerned. I’m trying to be all about the “less is more”. If you’ve read my blog for a while now, I can’t get enough of everything Scandinavian, no one does clean, minimal design better. Inspired by all the pretty blond wood tones that Scandinavian design uses, I created this simple Wooden Bead Icicle Garland.
This no-fuss wintery garland is easy to make and the eucalyptus smells so good. I kind of want to keep these wooden bead icicles up all year.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Seeded Eucalyptus (available at the florist or just growing everywhere in my neighborhood)
- Pine or Spruce sprigs (I used branches that had a few baby pine cones on them)
- PowerGear2 Fiskars Pruners, Fiskars Lopper (25″), and Fiskars Softgrip Micro-Tip Pruning Snip
- 1/4″ thick color piping or rope (available at the craft or fabric store)
- 24 gauge Florist Wire
- Wooded beads in a variety of sizes and shapes (I used about 8 dozen beads, the largest being 2 inches and the smallest 1/4 inch in diameter)
- 3 push-pin tacks or 3 3M Command Strips Hooks
- A large needle
- White crochet thread
To start, you will want to measure your mantel for the length of the garland. Using the 1/4″ rope, decide how long you want it to hang on the sides and also account for the swags along the top of the mantel. I made my garland to dip just twice.
Using the PowerGear2 Fiskars Pruners and Fiskars Lopper (25″) trim a lot of branches of eucalyptus. I trimmed mine from a neighbors tree and the long handles of the Lopper made it easy to my to reach taller, thicker branches of foliage.
I used the Pruners to trim away parts of the branches that didn’t have very many leaves. These Pruners are one of the best tools I own. They are easy to grip and the non-stick blade cuts through thick branches with ease.
Starting at one end of the rope, I wired on a branch of eucalyptus with the foliage falling away from the end of the rope. Every couple inches, I added in another brand, laying them all the same direction, and wired them all tightly to the rope. I used enough foliage to be sure the rope was hidden and out of site.
Working with pieces of florist wire that are about a yard or two in length is the easiest. You are less likely to get tangled in the leaves and branches. And when you need more length, simply twist the two ends of the wire together to secure.
Next I trimmed about 8-10 sprigs of pine that had pine cones on it. These were not big pieces, most were about 6 inches in length. Then, before I wired in the pine sprigs, I hung the eucalyptus garland on the mantel with just 3 tacks to secure in the middle and the 2 ends. I wanted to get an idea of how the piece hung and then attach the pine sprigs where they would be visible.
Using short, 5 inch, pieces of wire, I attached the pine sprigs to the garland.
Next I worked on my wooden bead icicles.
Start by cutting a 3 foot length piece of crochet thread. I love the Pruning Snips for jobs like this. They are super versatile and can go from cutting branches to snipping thread with ease.
Lay out your beads in the desired pattern. I worked from biggest to smallest to create an icicle effect. Using the large needle, thread the smallest bead on and place it in the center of the length of thread.
Then re-thread the needle onto both ends of the thread and thread on a second bead.
Continue threading on all the beads. I made 3 icicles for my mantel. I simply tied them onto the tack that was securing the garland to the mantel.
Then I created to more beaded strands to hang in between the icicles. And again, I tied them to the tacks I had placed in the top of the mantel.
And now the halls are decked!
This post is sponsored by Fiskars, thank you for supporting the companies that help make this blog possible.
Hey, and if you like today’s post, be sure to also check out this gorgeous Summer Floral Arrangement I created in collaboration with Fiskars.
Where did you find your wooden beads? I just love and adore this so much!
Yay! I’m glad you like it. JoAnn Fabrics, Michaels and Hobby Lobby – I bought all that all three stores had in my town.
I have a few questions.
1. How long will this live it is real foliage?
2. Where can I find the triangle wooden beads? I looked at all those places you mentioned and could not locate them.
It really depends on how humid/dry it is where you live. But, the good thing is, eucalyptus dries really pretty. We live in the desert, so it was on the crispy side within a week. I hope that helps.
Oh my goodness I LOVE THIS!!!! this is gorgeous! I’m a huge ???? eucalyptus fan and I definitely have to make this! It’s beautiful!
I made a eucalyptus wreath last year for fall, and now I know I need to make a garland!
>> Christene
Keys to Inspiration
This is so beautiful, Jeran! Love the bead “icicles!” And also that you bought out all the wooden beads in your area, lol! xoxo
This looks amazing! Adding it to the project list for next Christmas already!
Hi! I’m an editor for Remodelaholic.com and am writing to request permission to use a photo from your post:https://oleanderandpalm.com/2016/11/scandinavian-wooden-bead-icicle-garland.html
We hope to feature this in an upcoming round up of ours about natural Christmas decor. We would include a backlink and clear credit to you via the name of your blog.
Kimberly Mueller
Remodelaholic.com
Not a problem at all, thanks for asking.
Hi, I LOVE this garland and am desperate to make it for my Christmas mantel this year. Could you please tell me what the long triangular beads are called? I cannot find them anywhere!
Thankyou and kind regards,
Fiona
I believe I got them at Hobby Lobby. I think they are a wooden doll bead. I will try to head there this week and figure out the name.
Hi! Do you have a DIY for your faux mantle? Or any better pictures of the top of it? I’m making one and yours is exactly what I want!
Hi, I love everything about this can you please give instructions on how the faux fireplace was made. I’ve been looking for a great faux fireplace for my stationery store window and this is it ! Please give more information. Thank you, so much for sharing your creativity.
hi, can you please tell me how you made the mantel.
Actually, it was my brother that made it. I’ll see if he could put together a pattern.
How long will the garland last?
It dries out after a couple of days, but it still looked great for weeks. Hope that helpls.
It dries out after a couple of days, but it still looked great for weeks. Hope that helps.
This is stunning. I LOVE it. I’m going to try and source some wooden beads and give it a go.
Yay!!!!! I’m glad you are going to make it. Good luck!
Love love love the wooden garland you made! I can’t find the come shaped beads online anywhere…where did you get them?
They are from Hobby Lobby!
Actually, the cone wood beads are at Michaels and are called Doll bodies. They are $3.99 for a package of 6.
Awesome, thank you soooo much!
Absolutely beautiful…I will see if any wood beads left in my area…if not I will keep looking ALL year and hopefully get one completed for next season.
Your garland is stunning! I’m not quite sure how I landed on your site, perhaps it’s pure serendipity. I love to decorate with a neutral palette, no matter the holiday or season – I’ve done so for nearly 20 years. I’ve had a few years when either inspiration has been eluded me or materials have been difficult to find. Your garland is so perfect, it will grace my mantel this Christmas season and be beautiful all winter long! Many thanks for sharing your creativity.
Oh gosh, thank you so much. I’m with you on a neutral palette. I’ve mostly collected metallic ornaments for 20 years. It feels like a good choice, they are never out of style or dated.