Things You'll Need
Ruler
2 wooden 1 inch by 2 inch about 3-4 inches longer than the width of your door or window
Beads
Fishing line
Hot glue gun
Scissors
Pen
2 Eyelets or 2 nails to hang your curtain from (and a hammer if you use nails)
For most people, beaded curtains are nothing more than cheap-o plastic beads factory-strung in a boring and regular pattern to provide a door where there isn't one. It doesn't have to be that way. The quality of your curtain can be vastly improved by using beads that are far better than average plastic balls, or, better still, made of a natural material. Be spontaneous with your shapes and create varying patterns to make a curtain all your own.
Step 1: Measure and Mark
Make a 1/4 inch long mark on the mid-point of your wood at every inch. You may end up spacing your beads differently, but it's good to have marks there so when you have your strands tied to the marks and want to adjust, they can act as a spacing guide.
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Step 2: Cut the Fishing Line
Cut one strand of fishing wire a foot longer than what your first finished strand will be. String on one bead at one end. This will be the last bead of your first strand. Make multiple loops through the hole of the bead and tie a knot to secure it.
Step 3: String the Beads
Take the other end of the wire and string on your beads, making the beaded strand as long or as short as you want.
Step 4: Tie the Beads to the Wood
To tie the beads to the wood, loop the excess open end of the fishing wire around the wood four or five times. Make a knot between the wood and the first bead.
Step 5: Finish and Snip
Run your excess fishing wire back through 4 or 5 beads and snip to make it disappear.
Step 6: Create Your Pattern
Play with symmetry and figure out your pattern. I made 13 strands total, they measure 24 inches(2), 21 inches(2), 18 inches(2), 15 inches(2), 12 inches(2), 10 inches(2), 9.5 inches(1). If you plan on making a similar shape, making 2 strands at a time in the same length is more time efficient.
Step 7: Glue On the Wood
After moving your strands to the desired spacing, hot glue another piece of wood exactly on top of the panel. The final width for this project was 16 inches wide so the 13 strands were all a little over an inch apart.
Step 8: Finish the Curtain
Take two 8-inch pieces of fishing line and tie loops with them. Add one loop on each end of the wooden rod on either side of the curtain.
Step 9: Display Your DIY Beaded Curtain
Hang the beaded curtain DIY project from nails (or eyelets) in your window frame.
Tip
You will need a lot of beads for this project, but keep in mind, the bigger the beads and longer the strands, the heavier the curtain will be.
Take apart jewelry you are not wearing for some fun nostalgic pops, find strands of beads at thrift stores, or look through your grandmother's jewelry chest -- with her permission, of course. These treasures make brilliant beaded curtains for doorways.
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