1. Begin
the grape cluster ornament by cutting off two six inch lengths of green
wire. Wrap the second half of each wire length around a pen or pencil
in a spiral shape, and then slide the pen out.
2. Twist the straight ends of the two wires around each other to secure
them to one another.
3. If you plan to attach a tag, then attach two jump loops together
with pliers. Thread a crimp tube, then the two connected jump rings,
then another crimp tube to one of the spiral wires. Thread them to the
base of the spiral, then secure by squeezing the crimp tubes down with
pliers, so the jump ring cannot slide off.
4. Tie your cord for hanging the ornament near the base of the two
wires. It is easiest to do this before you glue on the grapes.
5. Begin gluing marbles around the green wire stem, using the hot glue.
Continue gluing grapes in a random order to create a grape cluster.
6. If you would like to create a tag, create it using any graphic
program and print it out on printer shrink film. Shrink film is usually
available in craft stores and some office supply stores. It can also be
bought from
www.CreateForLess.com . If you
make your own template, remember that the shrink film typically shrinks
to 1/3 of its original size in the oven. If you would like to use my
template for the tag shown below,
click here and a PDF file will open
in a new window. Add your shrink film paper to your printer and select
"print".
7. Once your design is printed out, cut it out, and punch a hole near
the top of the tag with a hole punch. Cook the tag in the oven
according to the manufacturer's instructions. The tag will be done when
it is done curling up and is laying flat again. Make sure you do not
overcook.
8. Attach a jump ring to the tag, and attach the tag to the grape
cluster by hooking it on to the first two jump rings. Bend the green
wire stems around to make them look natural. Your grape cluster
ornament is ready to hang or give away as a gift!
