How to Make a Beaded Bonsai: Flowering and Fruiting Tree

Step 1

I liked this method of making decorations for its accessibility and simplicity. Bead weaving usually requires some skill, but even a child can handle making a small tree! Choose to your own taste whether it will be flowering or bearing fruit—both options carry positive energy and make a great addition to any interior.

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Step 4

First, gather the materials:

For the flowering branches: pink (or white) seed beads or cut beads, light green small seed beads.
For the fruiting tree: dark green seed beads, decorative berries or fruit

For both options:

Craft wire, brown decorative tape.

For the base: an empty yogurt or sour cream cup, plaster, gouache paints.

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Step 6

How to weave beaded flowers and leaves

String beads onto the wire, separate 8 beads, form a loop, and twist at the base. Separate another 10-15 beads, adjust to form a second tier, and repeat the steps.

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Step 8

Make 5 petals like this and assemble them into a flower.

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Step 10

Follow the same process for the fruiting branches, stringing beads or artificial berries as you weave.

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Step 12

For the leaves, string light green beads onto a piece of wire and form loops in a single tier or in 2 tiers. Shape them into ovals with your fingers.

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Step 14

Join the branches and flowers together by twisting the wire, then wrap each branch with decorative tape.

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Step 16

Assemble the tree, using decorative tape to imitate the bark as well.

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Step 18

Pour plaster or alabaster, mixed according to the instructions, into the yogurt cup and wait for it to partially set. Secure the tree in the center. Paint the finished piece with gouache.

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Step 20

Followers of the ancient practice of Feng Shui say that this tree should be placed in the wealth sector—in the southeast—in which case it will not only decorate your home, but also bring financial prosperity.