From gorgeous home decor to handmade gifts, these wood bead crafts prove one little bag of beads can go a long way.
I have a confession.
For years, I looked at bags of wood beads in the craft store and thought, “What exactly are people doing with all of these?”
Then suddenly they were everywhere.
They’re hanging from mantels. They’re decorating tiered trays. They’re wrapped around vases. They’re on wreaths, garlands, jewelry, and Christmas trees. Somewhere along the way, wooden beads became one of the most popular craft supplies on the planet.
And honestly? I can see why.
They’re inexpensive, easy to find, and ridiculously versatile. A plain bag of wood beads can become farmhouse decor, holiday decorations, gifts, jewelry, and home accents that look like they came from a fancy boutique. Some of these projects are so cute you’ll have friends asking where you bought them.
My favorite thing about crafting with wooden beads is that they’re basically a blank canvas. Leave them natural. Stain them. String them together with rope, tassels, greenery, ribbon, or fabric. There are so many directions you can go.
That’s exactly why I put together this collection.
You’ll find classic projects like garlands and wreaths, but you’ll also discover some surprises. A wood bead chandelier? Yep. A doormat? Somehow yes. Carrots . . . ? Also yes. Creative people have come up with some seriously clever ways to use beads, and I’m here for all of it.
If you’re looking for easy projects to make this weekend, this list is packed with inspiration. There are home decor projects, gifts, seasonal decorations, and more than one Christmas ornament you’ll want to add to your holiday decorating lineup.
Whether you have a stash of wood beads waiting to be used or you’re just looking for your next favorite project, these tutorials prove that one simple supply can create something pretty amazing.
Many of the projects on this list use beads in their unfinished form. However, there are a few ways you can dress them up:
Paint – brush on acrylic or chalk paint, and you can even spray paint them
Dye – you can dye your beads using wood dye, fabric dye, and even food coloring
Stain – just like any other unfinished wood, you can stain it in various colors
Now let’s see how many of these projects you can make before you decide you need another bag of beads.
Wooden Bead Crafts
1
Wood Bead Garland
Learn how to make a wood beaded garland on a budget! This is a perfect home decor craft idea for beginners. You'll complete this project in three simple steps.
Make a fun and unique DIY wood bead plant hanger with just a few simple steps. You can make the holder different sizes to fit the size of the bowl or planter.
You could spend hundreds of dollars for a chandelier like this one inspired by Pottery Barn. Her DIY version looks just as beautiful as the ones you can purchase in a store!
Erika shares a few different affordable wood bead DIY projects here, but this rainbow wall hanging is my favorite! I like it natural like this, but you could also make it colorful by painting or dyeing the beads.
This DIY pendant light is perfect for a kids bedroom or playroom with the colorful wood beads! See how easy it can be to make your own lighting with a step by step tutorial here.
Follow this tutorial to make dyed wood bead trivets that can be used separately or together. It involves two easy macrame knots and, of course, wood beads!
This cute bookmark is small but mighty! Keep your place in style with a bookmark featuring brown beads and a clip. Great for gifting to fellow readers.
Various sizes of stained wood beads are used to create this eye-catching necklace. Mandi shows you cheap and easy it is to make this necklace if you have the right tools!
Instead of purchasing a rainbow abacus she found in a store, Ashley made her own! Great idea so you can match the colors to your room. This one goes with that painting perfectly.
This modern Easter bunny can be hung in a room as a decoration or used as a wreath for your front door. The wood beads give it a Scandinavian design style.
Wire with wood beads is connected in a pumpkin form to a mason jar lid – just add a cinnamon stick stem! I love the neutral look of this fall home decorating project.
Are you ready to start using up your beads? Which craft will you try first? Let me know in the comments! Before you go, you should take a look at our other popular DIY posts:
