How to Make a Whimsical Wire-Scroll Photo Holder
A beaded, wire-scroll photo holder is an inexpensive, homemade gift for anyone on your Christmas list. Experiment with different colors and combinations to create a personalized present, and add more wires if you’d like.
To make this project, you need the following:
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Round-nose pliers
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Three 24-inch pieces 16-gauge green floral and craft wire
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Eight 5mm doughnut beads, drilled front to back, lavender
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Five 6mm oval beads, green
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Two 2mm round beads, blue
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2 ounces of polymer clay
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Hypo-cement
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Start by bending 1 piece of wire. Use round-nose pliers to start a scroll design.
For this project, start the scroll on just one end.
Here are the stages of a basic scroll. For this project, you start the scroll on just one end of the wire. -
Continue to turn the scroll with your fingers. Create a rough, non-symmetrical scroll with at least five or six concentric (sort of) loops.
The loops will hold up your photo.
Create wire scrolls to hold photos. -
Measure down roughly 1 inch from the bottom of your large scroll. Make one or two small loops with round-nose pliers.
This loop will help hold your beads in place.
A single loop, and a series of loops. -
Slide beads on the wire from the bottom up in the following order: lavender, green, lavender.
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Create another loop or two under the group of beads to secure them on the wire.
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Repeat the process with the remaining wire and beads.
Vary the number of beads and the number of loops to create visual interest in your piece. Set aside.
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Roll your clay into a ball. Slam it flat on your work surface to give it a flat bottom. Shape the top as you like.
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Insert your wire and bead components into the clay lump. Remove the wires, but keep the holes.
You want to harden your clay with the holes already in place.
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Bake the clay according to package directions. Allow it to cool completely.
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Squirt a dab of hypo-cement into one hole and insert your wire. Repeat with the other wires and holes. Allow your piece to set for about an hour.
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If necessary, gently arrange the wires, as you prefer.
