I had an email from a reader the other day asking what size bulbs should be used for the ornament cover projects on this site. I measured around one bulb, and it was about 8 inches. So I would say that anywhere from a standard 4 inch diameter bulb to a smaller 3 inch diameter bulb will work for most beaded ornament covers.Both my projects, the Beaded Ornament Cover and the Flower Petal Ornament Cover, are placed on top of a glass bulb, so they don't have to fit under the bulb, just on top. They aren't as ornate as some beaded covers I've seen, but both work up very fast, so even if you don't have a lot of time, they make great gifts. Also, you can simply change out the beads to make each look a little different.
Comments
Tammy,
I haven’t made one of these ornament covers yet, but it looks to me like it would be a nice gift to send through the mail. I wouldn’t have to worry about the bulb breaking.
Many thanks,
~Vicki
I actually did that one time and gave a bunch out as gifts, sans the bulb. Most people will have those already.
I made this ornament cover only to find out it would not fit over the neck of a standard bulb. It was about a 16th of an ich too small. So I made some others, however instead of tieing the first row off separately then continuing with the other rows, I tied it onto the the bulb neck and actualy continued while it was on the bulb. this way it was sure to fit.
Hi Victoria,
That is weird because I’ve made a ton of these and never had an issue with them fitting over lots of different bulbs. A 16th of an inch is pretty small. Maybe our tensions are just different.
I have probably made at dozens of these, I have made them for different charitys and have also made them as gifts. I have one grandaughter that all her bulbs are clear with different colors of ornament covers. I always do the first row then put it over the neck of the bulb to make sure it fits, if it doesn’t I sneak in an extra bead in here and there until it does fit then I just continue the directions as they are, no one will notice if there is an extra bead. I’ve made so many of these that I take a lot of liberties when I make them I just play around and have fun, they sell great at the charities I’ve donated them to and are a great project to work on during the year when I can’t seem to get any ideas, it gives my mind time to wander and next thing you know I have Idea’s popping around in my mind again. I am already working on some now for next yrs round of charities I give to. They are fun, easy and quick and according to my grandaughter look beautiful and elegant with the light shining on them. Neva
Thanks Tammy!! I have made 3 of these in the last couple of days and I love them. You are right, it’s not as ornate as some.. but I think it’s a really beautiful design and I have made one in gold & ruby colors and then switched them around and made another one with the same colors but changed the A & B. The last one is in pearl white & blue and now going to do another the same color, but just switching the A & B again. I’ve had no problems with them fitting the neck and the instructions are VERY straightforward and easy to read. Thank you Tammy for sharing the pattern. I haven’t tackled your second pattern yet, but plan to in a day or so.
I fully agree with Neva’s granddaughter, they are really beautiful & elegant and yes Neva, they work up very quick, even for someone who has never done this stitch before. When I started this project, I had never made anything in the bead weaving category except for a couple of bracelets with the RAW stitch so I am very proud of myself for accomplishing this and very satisfied with the outcome.
Y’all have a good day & Merry Christmas!!!!! It’ll be here before you know it.
Wanda from Alabama
Excellent! I’m so glad to hear other jewelry folks enjoy these.