Handmade Gift Ideas

Megan makes handmade glass beads called lampwork. Last Christmas, she made herself a bracelet inspired by Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. To complete the theme, she handmade Grinch and Max beads along with some other whimsical Seussian-inspired beads.

This is a fairly advanced project for a crafter who is experienced with glassmaking; it requires beadmaking materials, such as a torch, mandrels, bead release, soft glass in assorted colors and shaping tools. Once Megan had created her colorful Grinchy beads, she strung them onto beading wire with pearls, gemstone briolettes, crystals and sterling silver beads. Megan recommends that before stringing your bracelet together you first arrange the beads on a flat surface or bead board to ensure that you will be happy with the finished order.