Creating Wedding Wand Magic With Bells

Wedding wands with bells are a fun, safe, and mess-free alternative to throwing rice or confetti at weddings. They are also easy to make and can be customised to match the wedding's colour scheme or theme. To make a simple wedding wand, you will need thin wooden dowels, two different-coloured ribbons, a small bell, and some gold or silver twine. First, cut the ribbons so that they are twice as long as you want them to be. Stack the ribbons together, find the centre, and tie them around the tip of the dowel. Thread the twine through the bell and tie it around the dowel, right over the ribbons' knot. Finally, tie the ribbons once more, this time using a square knot. For a fancier wand, you will need eye screws, a drill or thumbtack, and more ribbons. First, make a hole in the top of each dowel and twist in the eye screws. Then, cut your ribbons into equal pieces and tie them to the eye screw, starting with the widest ribbon. Finish by tying a bell to the eye screw with a short piece of ribbon.

Choosing the right wooden dowels

When choosing the right wooden dowels for your wedding wands, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the length and thickness of the dowels you require. For wedding wands, a length of 12 inches is ideal, and you can opt for either a 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, or 1/2-inch thickness, depending on your desired look and feel. A thinner dowel will result in a sleeker and cheaper wand, while a thicker dowel will give you a bulkier option that is easier for little hands to grip.

Next, consider the type of wood you want to use. Common types of wood for dowel rods include birch, beech, and white birch. You can also opt to stain your dowels to give them a richer and more rustic colour. A homemade stain can be made using a mixture of vinegar, steel wool, tea, and coffee grounds. Soaking the dowels in this mixture will result in a unique grey/brown colour.

When purchasing wooden dowels, it is important to ensure that they are straight and free from warping or defects. You may also want to consider the finish of the dowels. Dowel caps can be used to neatly finish off the ends, or you can leave them as they are for a more rustic look. Finally, if you plan to use your wedding wands outdoors, be sure to seal the dowels with a weather-proof coating to protect them from the elements.

Selecting the best ribbons

Colour

The colour of your ribbons is a crucial consideration. Many people choose to match their ribbons to their wedding colour scheme, which is a great way to tie the wands into the overall aesthetic of your big day. You can opt for a single colour or a mix of complementary colours—just be sure to choose shades that work well together and won't clash with your wedding decor.

Width and Texture

Variety is the key to an interesting wedding wand, so consider selecting ribbons of different widths and textures. You can opt for thin, delicate ribbons or go for something wider and more substantial. Similarly, you might choose silky smooth ribbons or those with a more textured finish, such as lace or tulle. Mixing and matching these elements will add depth and visual interest to your wands.

Length

The length of your ribbons will depend on the length of your wand and the look you want to achieve. Generally, you'll want your ribbons to be at least twice the length of your wand, but you can always cut them down if they're too long. Consider whether you want your ribbons to be all the same length or staggered for a more whimsical effect.

Amount

When deciding how much ribbon to buy, you'll need to take into account the number of wands you're making and the number of ribbons you want on each wand. As a general rule, you'll need around 12 inches of ribbon per wand, per colour. So, for example, if you're making 50 wands with three colours of ribbon each, you'd need 1800 inches (or 50 yards) of ribbon in total. It's always better to have too much than too little, so consider buying a little extra to allow for mistakes or last-minute changes.

Embellishments

Finally, don't forget to think about any embellishments you might want to add to your ribbons. Bells are a popular choice, but you could also consider flowers, crystals, or other decorative elements. These can be glued or tied onto the ribbons to add extra visual appeal and a personal touch.

Adding bells to the wands

Next, cut a short piece of gold or silver twine, thread, or thin ribbon—around 6 inches should be enough. Feed one end of the twine through the top loop of the bell, and then place the twine right behind the dowel, resting over the ribbon. Wrap both ends of the twine over to the front of the dowel and tie them in a secure double knot, right over the ribbons' knot.

As an alternative to twine, you can also use jump rings to attach the bells to the dowel.

Using the right tools

Tools and Materials:

• Thin wooden dowels: Look for dowels that are around 12 to 14 inches (30.48 to 35.56 cm) long and 1/4-inch (0.64 cm) wide. You can buy longer dowels and cut them to your desired length or purchase pre-cut ones.
• Eye screws: Thinner eye screws are easier to twist into the dowels. You may need pliers to help tighten them securely.
• Thumbtack or small drill: Create a hole at the top of each dowel with a thumbtack or a small drill bit to make it easier to insert the eye screws.
• Ribbon: Choose ribbons that match your wedding colours and experiment with different widths, textures, and materials like satin and sheer. You will need approximately 4 to 5 pieces of ribbon per wand, each cut to a length of about 24 inches (60 cm).
• Bells: Standard trumpet-shaped bells or small jingle bells can be used. Consider the colour of the bells to complement your wedding theme—silver bells pair well with cool colours like blue, green, and purple, while gold bells complement warm colours such as red, orange, and yellow.
• Twine or thread: Use gold or silver twine, or clear thread/fishing line if you don't want it to be visible.
• Spray paint or wood stain (optional): You can leave the dowels as they are or add a touch of colour with spray paint or a natural stain like vinegar and coffee.

Tips for Using the Tools:

• When cutting the wooden dowels, ensure you are using the appropriate safety gear, such as safety goggles and gloves, to protect yourself from splinters and sharp edges.
• If you opt for spray painting the dowels, work in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application.
• When staining the dowels with a natural stain, mix vinegar, steel wool, tea, and coffee grounds to achieve your desired colour. Soak the dowels in the mixture for several hours, then rinse and dry them thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
• To make inserting the eye screws easier, use a thumbtack to create a pilot hole at the top of each dowel. Alternatively, if you have a small drill, you can carefully drill a hole for the eye screw.
• When tying the ribbons to the eye screw, start with the widest ribbon and work your way down to the thinner ones. Leave enough space on the eye screw to tie the bell at the end.
• For attaching the bell, cut a short piece of ribbon, thread it through the bell, centre it, and tie a secure double knot. Then, tie the ribbon to the eye screw, finishing with a bow if desired.

Making a simple wand

Materials:

• Thin, wooden dowels, 12 to 14 inches (30.48 to 35.56 cm) long and 1/4-inch (0.64 cm) wide.
• Two different colours of ribbon, preferably matching your wedding colours.
• Gold or silver twine
• Bells (either jingle bells or standard, trumpet-shaped bells)

Optional:

• Spray paint in a neutral colour (white, silver, or gold)
• Natural stain (e.g. vinegar and coffee)

Method:

• Prepare your dowels: You can buy longer dowels and cut them down to size, or buy pre-cut ones. If desired, spray paint or stain the dowels and let them dry.
• Cut your ribbons: Choose two colours of ribbon and cut them to be twice as long as you want the final product. For example, cut 36 to 40 inches (91.44 to 101.6 cm) long pieces. You will need one piece of each colour for each wand.
• Tie the ribbons: Stack the ribbons, find the centre, and tie them together around the dowel, about 2 inches (5.08 cm) from the tip. Ensure equal lengths of ribbon hang on both sides of the knot.
• Add the bell: Cut a 6-inch (15.24 cm) piece of gold or silver twine and feed one end through the bell's top loop. Place the twine behind the dowel, over the ribbon, and tie a secure double knot at the front.
• Tie the ribbons again: This time, use a square knot by reversing the order in which you cross the ribbon strands.

Your simple wedding wand with bells is now ready to be waved at your wedding ceremony!

Frequently asked questions