Ornamental Bead Sticks! Part One: A Broken Umbrella

I have a special love for what I shall, for lack of a better term, call 'Stuff On Sticks.'  Over the years I have stockpiled a bunch of favorite ways to put pretty beads onto long poky things, turning them into ornamental items of decor.  Today begins a series of tutorials on this exciting topic.

First up, a fun upcycle.  Beads on umbrella parts!

I simply adore the dainty ends of umbrella wires, with their ball finials and open loop!  If you have ever disassembled a broken brolly, you will know exactly what I mean.

Have you ever wanted to do something with the parts, but didn't know what?

I have a wonderfully SIMPLE way to turn these fabulous sticks into beaded wonders, perfect for bejeweling potted plants, adding to cut flower arrangements or displaying on their own.

The DIY

Choose some nice beads with which to ornament your stick.  The bigger, the bolder, the better!

Thread 'em on.

Finish with a small bead with a hole that fits quite closely around the umbrella stick.  Like so:

Cut a right-angle triangle from aluminum duct tape.

Place it on the stick, just under the small bead...and start wrappin'.

Check out this neat finish!  It now appears an integral part of the umbrella stick:

Isn't that just the grooviest?!?  That's all there is to it.  Make a bunch, and add to potted plants, flower arrangements or foliage in a vase.

Display them in a multitude of ways around the house.

Maybe you like ribbons?  Add some ribbons!

Give them as gifts.  People LOVE getting these as gifts.  I know this from experience.

So...got a broken umbrella in your house?  Don't throw it out without harvesting the sticks.

(No broken umbrella?  Hint: buy a cheapo one at the Dollar Store and accidentally throw it under a bus.  That oughta do it.)

Hope you enjoyed this one!

Come back soon for Stuff On Sticks, Part Deux.

To see the rest of the Stuff On Sticks:
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five
Part Six 
Part Seven