Jazz It Up: 8 Craft Ideas with Mardi Gras Beads

By Cyd Converse | February 11th, 2013 at 2:30 pm

Can we talk Mardi Gras for a minute? I mean, it is tomorrow. Specifically, let’s chat about Mardi Gras beads. About how they’re shiny and glittery, festive and totally awesome, but basically serve no other purpose the other 364 days of the year. Yet somehow, it seems most of us end up with them lying around our house at some point or another. Which is exactly why I figured it’d be pretty fun to round up a few awesome ways to jazz up those beads and put them to work all year long. Necklaces, lamps, hanging chandeliers – the possibilities are seriously endless! Ready to get your party on? Click away for 8 super cool craft ideas for Mardi Gras beads!

Bead + Shower Ring Necklace

I love this super cool necklace, made from upcycled Mardi Gras beads and shower curtain rings covered in a cool patterned fabric. Such a fun statement piece and totally on the cheap!
Get the how-to from Promise Tangeman.

/crafts-activities/jazz-it-up-8-craft-ideas-with-mardi-gras-beads/#bead-shower-ring-necklace
Beaded Chandelier

Luxurious beaded chandeliers are a huge design trend at the moment, and I love this version made from painted Mardi Gras beads and a hanging planter!
Get the how-to from Dollar Store Crafts.

/crafts-activities/jazz-it-up-8-craft-ideas-with-mardi-gras-beads/#beaded-chandelier
Tassel Bead Necklace

A coat of paint and a funky tassel made from colorful embroidery thread breathes all new life into the Mardi Gras staple!
Get the how-to from make it & fake it.

/crafts-activities/jazz-it-up-8-craft-ideas-with-mardi-gras-beads/#tassel-bead-necklace
Beaded Lamp Base

A knock-off of a fancy department store find, this lamp got a major upgrade with Mardi Gras beads, hot glue and a coat of shiny silver paint!
Get the how-to from The Ivy Cottage Blog.

/crafts-activities/jazz-it-up-8-craft-ideas-with-mardi-gras-beads/#beaded-lamp-base
Peter Pan Collar

Pretty beaded Peter Pan collars are a major fashion staple at the moment. Make your own with repurposed Mardi Gras beads!
Get the how-to from Stylehive.

/crafts-activities/jazz-it-up-8-craft-ideas-with-mardi-gras-beads/#peter-pan-collar
Fabric Bead Necklace

I love this look! Pretty fabric in whatever colors and patterns you love instantly jazz up Mardi Gras beads for year-long wear!
Get the how-to from Newlyweds in New Orleans.

/crafts-activities/jazz-it-up-8-craft-ideas-with-mardi-gras-beads/#fabric-bead-necklace
Beaded Coasters

Perfect for your actual Mardi Gras celebration or any cocktail party, I love these beaded coasters!
Get the how-to from Rust & Sunshine.

/crafts-activities/jazz-it-up-8-craft-ideas-with-mardi-gras-beads/#beaded-coasters
Patio Chandelier

Another chandelier -- I love this one because it dresses up a patio. Painted to look like cool stone beads, the look is so chic!
Get the how-to from Blue Mitten Green House.

/crafts-activities/jazz-it-up-8-craft-ideas-with-mardi-gras-beads/#patio-chandelier

Read more from Cyd at The Sweetest Occasion. For more ideas and inspiration, find her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

About the Author

Cyd Converse is a blogger, designer and stylist with a passion for parties and entertaining. She is the founder of The Sweetest Occasion, a lifestyle and design blog where she shares inspiration for entertaining, DIY ideas, fashion finds, home decor and pretty party wares.

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