String a wooden bead garland with a tidy tassel
Make a short decorative strand with a simple tassel, keeping the beads and cord away from children and pets.
Decide where the finished strand will live
A wooden bead garland is a decorative object, not a toy, teether or crib accessory. Loose beads and loops can create hazards, so choose a display location that young children and pets cannot reach. A high shelf may be more appropriate than a coffee table in a family room. If there is no suitable place, use the beads for a different adult craft or skip the project.
Select smooth beads with holes large enough for the intended cord. Check for splinters, cracked beads and rough holes that could abrade the string. A limited range of bead sizes makes the strand easier to arrange. Test the whole combination without glue before deciding how many pieces to use.
Leave enough cord to finish cleanly
Lay out the beads in order and measure the intended strand length. Add sufficient cord for end knots and the tassel attachment, then cut once you have checked the finishing method. Starting with exactly the visible length leaves no room to secure the ends. Use a cord appropriate to the bead weight and keep cut ends controlled so they do not fray while threading.
String the beads and leave a little movement between them. Pulling them into a rigid line makes the garland difficult to drape and puts unnecessary pressure on the end knots. Tie secure finishing knots appropriate to the cord and check that they cannot slip through the bead holes. Adhesive is not a substitute for a sound mechanical finish.
Build a modest tassel
Wrap yarn or cord around a piece of card to establish the tassel length. Slide the bundle off carefully, secure it at the top and bind a short section below the attachment point. Cut the loops at the bottom and trim the ends together. A small tidy tassel usually sits better beside wooden beads than a dense oversized one.
Attach it securely and inspect for loose strands. Keep all scraps and spare beads contained during cleanup. If the finished piece is likely to be handled frequently, check the knots periodically and retire it if the cord becomes worn or the beads loosen.
Drape the garland beside a few objects rather than wrapping it around everything on a shelf. It should not hang into a lamp, candle area or moving door. A simple curve across a stable display surface is enough to show the wood's texture, and leaving most of the shelf clear helps the detail remain visible.
