Bouquets for the 'Maids: Part I

Once I had all of the supplies to make the bridesmaid bouquets, I recruited some help in the form of my MOH, MOB, BM A and FMIL, and we to work on cutting wire, stringing beads and twisting the beaded strands. 

Here was our inspiration picture (from this previous post):

We followed the tutorial from Offbeat Bride.  I'm going to share our process with you below, but Offbeat's instructions are great and they provide some nice, clear pictures.

Tools we used:

• Beads purchased from trade show in clear and silver
• Power drill
• Needle nose pliers
• Wire cutters
• Yard stick
• Hook attachment for drill
• 26 gauge wire

FMIL was our wire cutter.  She measured out lengths of 22 inches and cut with the wire cutters. 

Once she had a good pile of wire, MOH and BM A started stringing on beads and folding the wire in half. 

MOB and I were in charge of twisting the wire.  We inserted a hook attachment into the drill.  We then took the beaded wire and (since it is folded in half at this point) slipped it over the hook.  I held the two ends of the wire closed with the pliers and MOB slowly started the drill.  After the wire was twisted a little, she increased the speed and twisted the wire nice and tight, leaving a small gap at the top in order to slip it back off the hook.

Just repeat this process approximately 700 times and you have your "stems" for the crystal bouquets!

Next up:  Assembly!

All personal photos and video.