Sparkling Keepsake Ornament Tutorial

Prep the wooden form: Remove the protective film from both sides of the wooden form. Lay it face-up. Identify the center hole pattern and the outer ring of holes. Anchor thread & place Rivoli: Tie your thread and seat the rivoli over the center (if the form has a rivoli recess). Bring the thread up through the bead holes near the rivoli and add a small stop or anchor loop so the rivoli sits snug and won’t slide. Make the first loops around the rivoli: Create multiple small loops (example: loops of five 11/0s) around the rivoli by adding 11/0 × 5, align them around the rivoli, and connect each loop through the “third bead” with an 8/0 to stabilize — repeat until the rivoli is encircled and snug. Reinforce with 1–2 passes. Add the first pearl ring (peyote-like): Using the holes provided, add pearls in the next available circle: pick up 8/0 → pearl → 8/0 and seat each pearl into its position around the rivoli. Make a full round so pearls form a raised ring. Reinforce by sewing around the ring once more. Build the second pearl/ring (stacked): Add an outer stacked pearl ring: stitch pearls into the gaps between the inner pearls (peyote-like) so the ring sits elevated — this creates the luxurious center cluster. Work the outer dual-row (11/0 + 8/0 arches): Move outward to the next set of holes and work the two-layer technique: pick up 11/0 → 8/0 → 11/0 (or following the transcript pattern) and sew across so two rows grow simultaneously — this forms the base for fans and crystal spacing. Create sunburst bugle fans: At chosen outer holes, form bugle + pearl fans: pick up bugle(s) → pearl → bugle(s) and sew back into the anchor bead so the bugles radiate outward. Vary lengths to taste and adjust counts based on hole spacing. Reinforce each fan with a return pass. Attach the exterior crystal ring: Between the pearl/11/0 pairs on the outer ring, add crystals (bicone or rondelle): 11/0 → crystal → 11/0 and sew into opposite holes so the crystals nest on the outer edge, adding sparkle around the ornament. Add lower hanging drop (optional): For a bottom pendant: at the lower hole, add a drop assembly: bugle → seed beads → teardrop/crystal → seed beads → bugle and secure with multiple passes so the drop hangs centered and balanced. Fill interior gaps with pearls (optional): If you want a denser, vintage look, fill empty inner holes with small pearls or 11/0 beads. Tuck them in and reinforce with extra passes so the center feels solid. Reinforce structure: Make 2–3 reinforcement passes through high-stress areas: rivoli bezel, pearl rings, bugle fans, crystal joins, and any drop anchors. Keep tension even — snug but not crushing beads. Prepare backing & trim threads: Bring thread ends to the back side, weave them through several bead paths to hide, tie small weaver’s knots if desired, trim close. Lightly burn/zap if using synthetic thread and press flat. Glue the backing disc: Apply a thin even bead of E6000 to the back of the ornament (use a toothpick). Press the backing disc into place, making sure no glue squeezes through to the front. Wipe excess and clamp/press briefly. Allow recommended cure time (24–72 hrs depending on glue). Add hanger & finishing touches: Attach ribbon, loop, or ornament hook. Give the piece a final inspection — add extra reinforcement where beads feel loose and clean any glue residue.