:: Huichol-Lace Suncatcher Ornament

Materials Needed:
- size 11 beads, assorted colors (silver-lined and transparent colors recommended)
-size 3 bugle beads, at least one color
- size B or A thread
- size 10 beading needle
- scissors
- clear nail polish



Directions:

1. Thread about 1 yard of thread on your needle. Add 12 beads of one color and tie in a ring with a square knot. Seal knot with clear nail polish and let dry.

2. Pick up 3 beads of a different color, skip a bead, and pass your needle through the next bead (forming a peak); continue adding3 beads every other bead until you finish the ring and have 6 peaks.

3. At the top of the peaks you just created, add 5 beads from one peak to the next. Tie an in-line knot at the end of every row to keep the tension taut.

4. Repeat step 3 using 7 beads (2 light, 3 dark, and 3 light) and pass your needle from peak to peak.

5. This row is different. Using the row you just created, pass your needle through the first 2 beads, add 5 beads and pass your needle through the 6th bead. Continue adding beads this way for 12 total peals. It may look wavy, but as soon as you add more rows it will smooth out.

6. Add 5 beads from peak to peak.

7. For the last row, add 5 beads from peak to peak, creating the outer circle.

8. To finish your sun catcher ornament, spary or dip in distilled water, shape it, and let it dry. After it dries thoroughly, use clear nail polish to stiffen the threads. Uae more than once coat if needed, and allow to dry. Tie with a pretty ribbon or metallic thread and hang in a nearby window.


taken from Creative Native American Beading, by Theresa Flores Geary