Rustic Wood Bead Garland With Tassels
A rustic wood bead garland with soft yarn tassels adds texture to shelves, trays and mantels, and it takes just an evening to string.
By the HotsBuzz team ·
- Skill levelEasy
- Time1 to 1.5 hours
- Budget$8-$15
- Steps6
A wood bead garland is one of those small details that makes a room feel finished. Draped over a stack of books, looped around a vase or laid across a coffee table tray, it brings natural texture without adding clutter.
Expect to spend $8 to $15 depending on the bead mix, and most of the time goes into planning the pattern rather than stringing. Store-bought versions are pretty, but making your own lets you choose the exact length, bead mix and color. You can leave the wood natural, give it a light stain or dip a few beads in paint for a modern accent. The tassels are made from yarn or jute in about five minutes each.
This version makes a garland about 36 inches long, a good size for a tray, shelf or tiered stand. Double the materials for a mantel.
Materials & tools
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You’ll need
Tools
Step-by-step instructions
Plan your bead pattern
Lay the beads out in a line on a towel so they don’t roll, and arrange a pattern you like. A simple approach is largest beads in the center, tapering to smaller beads at both ends. Make sure the layout is roughly 32 inches long to leave room for knots and tassels.
Stain or paint (optional)
Slide beads onto skewers and wipe on stain with a rag while wearing gloves, then wipe off the excess after a minute. For painted accents, dip only half a bead for a two-tone look. Stand the skewers in foam and let everything dry for at least two hours, ideally overnight, so the cord doesn’t pick up color.
Make the tassels
Wrap yarn around the long side of your cardboard 30 to 40 times. Slide a 6-inch piece of yarn under the top loops and tie tightly. Slip the bundle off, wrap another piece of yarn around it about half an inch below the top, knot it and tuck the tail inside. Cut through the bottom loops and trim the ends even.
Prep the cord
Cut 4 feet of cord, which leaves plenty of extra for knotting. Wrap one end tightly with a small piece of tape to make a stiff point, or thread it through a large-eye needle. Tie the first tassel to the other end with a double knot and add a drop of glue.
String the beads
Thread the beads in your planned order, sliding each down toward the tassel. Check the pattern as you go, because it’s easy to lose track in the middle. Push the beads snugly together but not so tight that the garland can’t curve. If a bead sticks, twist it gently rather than forcing it, which can fray the cord.
Finish the second end
Tie the second tassel on with a double knot right against the last bead. Add a drop of glue to both knots and let it dry for 15 minutes before trimming the tails to about a quarter inch.
Tips for success
- Bring a cord sample when buying beads, or check the hole size; 3mm or larger holes make threading much easier.
- Small beads are a choking hazard, so keep loose beads away from toddlers and pets while you work.
- A light stain on raw wood can look blotchy, so test on one or two beads first.
- For a softer drape, leave a tiny bit of slack between beads instead of packing them tight.
- Style the finished garland in loose S-curves rather than a straight line; it looks more relaxed and hides small gaps in the pattern.
Make it your own
Seasonal colors
Swap in rust and mustard beads for fall, red and white for the holidays or pale pastels for spring.
Wall hanging
String three shorter garlands and tie them to a driftwood branch for a simple layered wall piece.
Jute pom-pom ends
Replace yarn tassels with small jute pom-poms or a single large bead and a knot for a cleaner look.
Lettered beads
Use a fine-tip paint pen to letter a short word like HOME or a family initial across a few of the largest beads. Let the ink cure for a day before stringing so it doesn’t smudge on the cord.
Frequently asked questions
What size wood beads are best for a garland?
A mix of 12mm to 20mm beads looks balanced on a tray or shelf. For a mantel or large table, add 25mm beads in the center.
Can I use a wood bead garland on a Christmas tree?
Yes. Make it longer, around 6 to 9 feet, and use slightly smaller beads so it isn’t too heavy for the branches.
How do I clean the garland?
Dust it with a dry cloth or a soft brush. Avoid soaking, since water can raise the wood grain and loosen the tassels.
