Create Magical Bell Wand Streamers For Your Wedding

Wedding streamer wands with bells are a great way to add a touch of magic to your big day. They are a unique and mess-free alternative to sparklers, confetti, or glitter for your wedding send-off. These wands are easy to make and can be customised to fit your wedding colour scheme. You can also buy them pre-made from various online retailers.

Choosing the right materials

Ribbons:

• Choose ribbons that complement your wedding colour scheme. You can opt for a single colour or a combination of colours that match your theme.
• Consider the length of the ribbons. Most wands use ribbons ranging from 12 to 24 inches long. This length provides a good balance between aesthetics and functionality, creating a visually appealing display while being comfortable to hold and wave.
• Select high-quality ribbons that are durable and resistant to fading. This will ensure the wands maintain their appearance throughout your event and can be kept as souvenirs.

Bells:

• Decide on the type of bell you prefer. Common options include gold, silver, or coloured bells, often made from metal or plastic.
• Consider the size of the bell. Smaller bells produce a more subtle sound, while larger bells create a louder, more pronounced ring. Choose a size that aligns with your preference and the atmosphere you wish to create.
• If you opt for metal bells, ensure they are made from a material that will not easily rust or tarnish, especially if they are intended for outdoor use.

Sticks:

• Wooden sticks are a popular choice due to their durability and natural aesthetic. Look for polished wooden dowels that are comfortable to grip and strong enough to withstand enthusiastic waving!
• Alternatively, you could opt for plastic or fibreglass sticks, which are often lightweight and durable.
• The standard length for sticks is around 11 to 12 inches, ensuring they are easy to handle for guests of all ages.

Other Materials:

• Eye hooks made from metal or strong plastic are used to secure the ribbons and bells to the stick.
• Jump rings, also known as split rings, are used to connect the bells to the eye hooks. Ensure you select a size that fits both the eye hook and the bell loop.
• If you wish to add fairy lights to your wands, look for small, lightweight battery-operated options that can be easily attached to the wands without compromising their aesthetics or functionality.

Remember, it's essential to source your materials from reputable suppliers to ensure their quality and longevity. Happy crafting!

Attaching the bells

Once you have your materials, follow these steps:

Step 1:

Screw an eye hook into the end of your wood dowel. This will serve as the base for attaching the bells.

Step 2:

Take your jump ring and open it by twisting it slightly. You can use pliers or your fingers to do this.

Step 3:

Slide the jump ring through the loop on the bell, and then close it by twisting it back into place. Make sure the jump ring is securely closed so that the bell doesn't fall off.

Step 4:

Attach the jump ring with the bell to the eye hook on the end of the wood dowel. You can add one or two bells per wand, depending on your preference.

And that's it! You've successfully attached the bells to your wedding streamer wands. Now, you can move on to the final step of tying the ribbons to the hooks.

Cutting the ribbon

Step 1: Measure the Ribbon

Before cutting, it is important to measure the ribbon accurately. The standard length for each ribbon is 12 inches. Use a ruler or a measuring tape to ensure uniformity in length.

Step 2: Choose the Right Tool

Sharp scissors are the best tool for cutting ribbon. You can also use a rotary cutter or a craft knife, but scissors provide more control and precision. It is recommended to have a dedicated pair of scissors for ribbon cutting, as regular paper scissors may not provide a clean cut.

Step 3: Cut with Precision

When cutting the ribbon, ensure you are working on a flat surface. Cut slowly and carefully, following the measured length. It is advisable to cut one ribbon at a time to avoid confusion and mistakes.

Step 4: Seal the Edges

After cutting, you may want to consider sealing the edges of the ribbon to prevent fraying. There are a few ways to do this:

• Use a lighter or candle to carefully melt the edges. Be very cautious when doing this to avoid burning the ribbon.
• Apply a small amount of clear nail polish or fabric glue along the cut edges to seal the fibres.
• Fold over the cut edge and use an iron on a low setting to create a neat hem.

Step 5: Variety is Key

Consider using ribbons of different textures, colours, and widths to add visual interest to your wedding streamer wands. You can layer ribbons or cut them at varying lengths to create a unique, whimsical effect.

Step 6: Store Safely

Finally, store your cut ribbons in a safe place to avoid creasing or damage before assembling your wedding streamer wands.

By following these steps, you will be able to cut the ribbons for your wedding streamer wands with precision and create a beautiful, cohesive look for your special day.

Adding extra decorations

Wedding streamer wands with bells are a great way to add a unique and festive touch to your big day. If you want to take your wedding decorations to the next level, here are some ideas for adding extra decorations to your streamer wands:

• Ribbons: The ribbons are the stars of these wands, so feel free to go wild with colours and textures. You can choose ribbons in your wedding colours, or opt for a mix of complementary shades for a vibrant effect. Consider using different types of ribbon, such as satin, silk, or lace, to add visual interest.
• Bells: The bells on these wands not only add a melodic sound but can also be a decorative element. Look for bells in gold, silver, or rose gold to match your wedding theme. You can also find bells with intricate designs or embellishments to make them stand out.
• Fairy Lights: For an enchanting touch, incorporate fairy lights into your streamer wands. LED fairy lights can be wrapped around the wand or attached to the end, creating a sparkling effect as your guests wave them. This is a great option if your wedding is in the evening or at a venue with low lighting.
• Personalization: Add a personal touch by personalizing your streamer wands. You can include your wedding hashtag, your names, or a meaningful message or quote. This makes the wands more special and can also be a fun keepsake for your guests.
• Tags: Attach tags to the wands with a message for your guests. For example, you can have tags that say, "Wave your wand to wish us well" or "Ring the bell and wish them love." This adds a whimsical element to your decorations and encourages your guests to interact with the wands.
• Other Embellishments: Depending on your wedding theme, you can add other embellishments like pearls, crystals, or even small flowers to your wands. For a rustic wedding, consider using twine or raffia instead of ribbon for a more natural look. Get creative and use whatever decorations fit your style.

Remember, when adding extra decorations, it's essential to strike a balance so that the wands don't become too heavy or cumbersome to wave. Happy crafting!

Assembling the wands

To make wedding streamer wands with bells, you will need the following supplies:

• Wood dowels, 12 inches long and 1/4 inch thick
• Medium-sized jingle bells
• Ribbon (12 inches of each colour for each wand)
• Screw eye hooks (13/16 inch hole)
• Jump rings (12mm size)

Begin by screwing the eye hook into the end of the dowel. This may require a little force, but you should be able to screw the hook into the dowel by hand.

Next, attach the bells to the end of the dowel using the jump rings. You can attach one or two bells per wand, depending on your preference.

Finally, cut the ribbon into equal pieces (approximately 12 inches in length) and tie them to the hooks. You can use multiple colours of ribbon to create a colourful effect.

That's it! You now have beautiful streamer wands that your guests can wave as you walk by or drive away. These wands are a unique and mess-free way to celebrate your special day and can also be used as table centrepieces or for guests to ring for a kiss.

Frequently asked questions