How to Make a Beautiful Wood Beaded Garland with Oyster Shells

Looking for a beautiful and easy way to add a touch of coastal charm to your home? Look no further than this DIY wood-beaded garland with an oyster shell! This project is perfect for beginners and can be customized to fit your style.

Today is our Handcrafted Society Monthly post. Regina @Savedfromsalvage  took the lead this month and challenged us to create coastal decor with seashells.

If you came over from Jennifer’s blog @cottageonbunkerhill, Welcome! I don’t doubt that you loved Jennifer’s beautiful starfish ornaments. I can’t wait to make a few myself. Jennifer is one talented gal. You will want to see all of the projects this month. Check out all the links at the end of my post.

On my blog WM Design House, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

What Can You Use a Wood Garland For?

1. Hang it on a mantel or wall. This is a classic way to use a wood garland and a great way to add a touch of natural beauty to your home.
2. Drape it over a bookshelf or coffee table. This is a more subtle way to use a wood garland, but it’s still a great way to add visual interest to your space.
3. Use it with a table runner. This is a fun and festive way to use a wood garland, and it’s perfect for special occasions like holidays or parties.
4. Wrap it around a vase or mirror. This is a great way to add height and interest to your décor.
5. Use it to create a centerpiece. This is a great way to use a wood garland if you’re hosting a party or gathering.
6. Hang it from a doorknob or picture frame. This makes a perfect accessory and is an unexpected way to use a wood garland. 
7. Use it on an entryway table. Wood garland beads add character, texture, and charm to any space
8. .Decorate a Christmas tree. Wood bead garlands are the perfect addition to any Christmas Tree.

How Do You Make A Wood Bead Garland?

Making a wood bead garland is quite easy. Here are some steps to make a simple garland.

1. Gather your supplies.
2. String the beads. Start by threading the twine through the hole in one of the beads. Then, string the beads in a random pattern, alternating between different colors and sizes.
3. Tie off the ends. Once you’re happy with the length of your garland, tie the twine in a knot at the end. Then, thread the twine through the hole in another bead and tie it off again.
4. Trim the twine ends and make sure they’re secure.

Supply List to Make a Wood Beaded Garland with an Oyster Shell

• Oyster shells
• Paper napkins to use to decoupage your oysters
• Mod Podge, choose the finish you like the best
• Scissors
• Paint Brush
• Liquid Gold Foil
• Natural wooden beads
• White wood bead(s)
• Gold wood beads ( If you want to add gold beads to your garland)
• Glass beads
• Jute twine
• Off-white chalk paint
• Iridescent pain
• Dremmel drill

Directions to Make My Wood Beaded Garland with a Decoupaged Oyster Shell Pendant

Gather all of your supplies from the above supply list.

What is the best way to decoupage oyster shells?

• Drill a hole near the tip of the oyster shell large enough to put two strands of jute string through the hole.
• Paint a thin coat of Mod Podge onto the interior of the oyster shell.

• Remove the back layer or layers of white paper from your paper napkin.
• Cut a small piece of the napkin that you will use to decoupage your oyster shell.

• Place the thin piece of napkin with the print onto the inside of the oyster shell over the layer of Mod Podge.
• Gently press the napkin down with your finger.
• Using your paintbrush, gently paint a layer of Mod Podge over the napkin on the interior of the oyster shell.
• You can smooth any bumps out with your finger.

• Trim around the edge with scissors or by gently tearing the napkin.
• Allow to dry for several hours.

Adding A Touch of Gold

You can add a little bit of liquid gold foil by simply painting around the edge of the shell. This material dries super fast and is very easy to work with.

This is so easy to do and optional, but I love how it adds a bit of glam to the oyster shells.

Prepare your Wood Beads to String Them for your Garland Piece

I used chalk paint to paint my wood beads. Using a brush, I painted a small amount onto the beads and then lightly wiped some of the paint off. 

I did this to create a more transparent look to the paint. 

Allow these beads to dry for at least 30 minutes. 

Putting Your Wood Bead Garland Together

• Determine what you want for the total length of the garland.
• Cut a piece of string double the length you want your garland to be with a little extra for tying it off.
• Fold the string in have and put the looped end through the hole in your oyster.
• Put the two long ends through the loop and pull. This will secure the oyster on your string.
• Start to string your beads on each side of the garland. I started with one large glass bead on each side and added a few wood beads before adding another glass bead. I then repeated this pattern until I beaded the entire strand.
• This is where you can get creative with the pattern you choose for your beaded garland.
• Once you have put all the beads on both sides, you can tie the two strands of twine in a knot.

Adding a tassel to the end of the Garland

I made a simple tassel for the opposite end of the garland.

• Wrap twine around a book that is approx. 5-6″ wide approx. 25 times.
• Place a short piece of twine under the strands you have wrapped around the book.
• Tie this short piece of twine around the strands wrapped around the book.
• Pull the strand off of the book and fold it in half. The strand you tied should be at the top, and the loop will be at the bottom.
• Cut the strands apart at the bottom of the loop.
• Cut a new strand that is about 12″ long.
• Tie this small strand around the top of the tassel approximately 1/2″ below the top of the tassel.
• Now, wrap this strand around the top section of the tassel to secure the strands.
• Tie off in a double knot at the top and tie it onto your wood garland.

Ways to Decorate With Your Wood-Beaded Garland and Oyster Shell Pendant

There are so many things you can do with your new garland.

I love to hang them over a few vintage books for a little bit of added charm.

You can also use individual oyster shells to create a flower display.

Lay the garland on top of a book.

Wrap it over a jar or bottle.

Create a Jewelry Dish with Oyster Shells

Lastly, I used two Oyster shells to create the cutest little oyster dish.

I decoupaged one of the oyster shells and left the second shell natural.

I then hot glued the shell that is decoupaged on top of the shell that is natural.

It was that easy!

A wood bead garland with the oyster shell is a beautiful and easy-to-make project perfect for any coastal décor. With a little time and effort, you can create a unique and thoughtful piece of home décor that you’ll love for years.

I hope this blog post has inspired you to try this project. If you do, share your photos with me on social media. I’d love to see how your garland turns out!

Now it’s time to move on to my friend Regina @savedfromsalvage. You are going to love her coastal tablescape with her gorgeous oyster candles.

Other Posts you will enjoy

• An easy Valentine’s Day DIY Garland with hearts and tassels
• Sharing from the She Shed: Spring Gardening Inspiration
• How to make Twine Pumpkins
• Little Cutie Baby Shower
• How to Make Dried Orange Slices for Holiday Decoration