How to Make a Beaded Wire Tree Centerpiece

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 Approved

Pretty wire tree centerpieces can be produced in just a few simple steps. These unique display items are elegant and complex in appearance, belying the fact that the entire project can be completed in less than two hours.

Things You Should Know

Cut 90 pieces of wire that are the same length.
Secure a bead on each piece of wire.
Braid the pieces of wire together to create the branches and trunk of the tree.
Mount your tree on a rock or decorative plate with hot glue.

Method 1

Method 1 of 6:

Preparing the Wire

1
Cut 90 pieces of wire that are 18" (43cm) long. Here the wire is wrapped around a book 90 times. Then wire cutters were used to cut all of the pieces at once.
2
Remove one wire from the bundle. Bend it in half as you smooth out the kinks in the wire, using the cloth. You can smooth the wire with your bare hands but it's easier on your fingers if you use a cloth.

Method 2

Method 2 of 6:

Adding the Beads

1
Slide a bead onto the wire and center it at the bend. Cross the ends of the wire directly below the bead and twist the wires together tightly at least three times to secure the bead.
2
Repeat this step with all the remaining wires. Varying the number of twists below each bead will make the tree less uniform and more interesting.

Method 3

Method 3 of 6:

Making the Branches

1
Take 2 or 3 of the beaded wires and twist them together to make the first branch.
2
Add another beaded wire or another small branch to this to begin making the larger tree branches.
3
Repeat until all 90 beaded wires have been grouped into three large branches.

Method 4

Method 4 of 6:

Shaping the Trunk

1
Twist the three large branches together to form the trunk. Continue twisting the wire, leaving only enough untwisted to form the roots (approximately 3-4 inches/7.5-10cm). You must make at least three complete twists to lock the wire in place.

Method 5

Method 5 of 6:

Making the Roots

1
Separate the root wire into three groups. Twist each group together to begin forming the roots. Continue separating each root into smaller roots until you run out of wire to twist.
2
Use the wire cutters to trim the ends of the roots. Bend or straighten the roots as needed so that the tree sits level.

Method 6

Method 6 of 6:

Mounting the Tree

1
Mount your tree. The tree can be mounted on a rock, a candle holder or decorative plate, using hot glue. After the tree is securely mounted, separate the branches of your tree. It can now be placed on display or used as a gift.

Community Q&A

Question

What size and type of beads would work best with this project?

Community Answer

You could use any beads, but I'd guess the ones used for this tree are small, glass beads. I've seen larger trees done with chunks of amethyst, and I've seen tiny ones made using glass seed beads. The general idea for bead shape is that you're trying to make it look like leaves or flowers. Glass or stone beads look great, but plastic or wood could still give a nice effect while being less expensive.
Question

What if I don't have hot glue?

Community Answer

Hot glue is necessary for this craft. You can buy a hot glue gun at your local craft store if you don't have one.
Question

Can I make the tree with less than 90 wires?

Community Answer

Yes, but it will have fewer branches, and might end up looking a bit thin. You can also shorten the wires if you want the tree to be smaller.