Bead and Wire Mini-Christmas-Parol

For my part of the world, with no snowflakes or chilly winter, it is usually the warm-colored lights of the parol that ushers in the Christmas spirit as early as September.

A parol is a Christmas lantern ornament unique to the Philippines, it is dominated by a basic five-point star pattern and is usually lighted with bright mini-lights. In most cases, it is made up of bamboo sticks and Japanese paper or colored cellophanes. But nowadays, materials vary, along with the tweaks in the design.

 Essentially, the parol evokes the Star of Bethlehem that guided the path for the Magi to find and witness the birth of the Messiah. To Filipinos it is also a symbol of hope and radiance through the darkness.

How to Make a Bead and Wire Mini-Christmas-Parol

Materials to be used are: wire tools for cutting and twisting; assorted beads of your choice; and craft wire.

1. Take an approximately 3" wire, put a bead in the middle whilst bending the wire slightly; this bead will be part of the star at the center of the parol.
2. String two more beads through both ends of the wire.
3. Twist the wire once or twice to steady the three beads.
4. Push another bead, joining the bended wire as one.
5. Add two or more beads, playing on the colors.
6. Make four more sets of this to complete the parts of the five-pointed star.
7. Take another piece of wire and string the five initial beads together to form the star at the center of the parol.
8. Twist that wire at the back and cut excess.
9. Add more elements like the outer circle and 'tails' depending on your design preference.