Creating Unique Wine Glass Charms For Your Wedding

Wine glass charms are a fun and practical way to keep track of your drink at a wedding or any other celebration. They can be made in a variety of ways, from using wine corks and wire to creating them with Murano Glass Beads and memory wire. You can also add a personal touch by decorating them with stamps, paint, and markers or by gluing crystals to each end. These charms can also double as place cards, escort cards, or favours for your guests, making them a unique and interactive part of your special day.

Using wire for the clasp

To make the clasp for your wedding wine glass charms, you will need wire, beads, and charms. You can use memory wire, which is strong and flexible and will hold its shape even when wet, or a thin gold wire for jewellery making. If you are using a thicker wire, you will need wire cutters. You will also need a pair of round-nosed or needle-nose pliers.

First, cut a length of wire that is long enough to wrap around the base of your wine glass, leaving about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch overlap. You can cut a test piece and make one charm first to check the size, then cut a bunch of wire pieces all at once.

Using your pliers, make a small loop at one end of the wire to stop the beads from falling off. Then, thread on your beads and charms. You can make each charm with a different colour scheme or pick a different charm and keep the colours the same.

Once you have added all your beads and charms, make another small loop at the end of the wire to hold the design in place. You can then wrap the wire around the base of the wine glass and trim any excess. Gently bend the wire into a loop so that it stays in place.

You can also add a little glue to the end of the wire to make sure it never comes out.

Slicing wine corks

To make wine glass charms from wine corks, you'll need to start by slicing your corks. This can be tricky, especially if they are old and dried out. The trick is to soften them by either:

• Soaking them in a bowl of water and microwaving them on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Or, placing them in the microwave for about a minute (the steam will help to soften them).

Once your corks are softened, dry them off and then use a very sharp knife to slice them into pieces about 1/4 inch thick. You can get quite a few slices from just a few wine corks, so pick out the best-looking ones for your charms.

Now you're ready to decorate your cork slices and assemble your charms!

Decorating the cork slices

One idea is to use colourful markers to write the initials of your guests on the cork slices. You could also use colourful stamp pads to create some fun designs. If you want to add a bit of sparkle, you could try gluing on some crystals or rhinestones.

If you're feeling creative, you can paint the cork slices or use stamps to create more intricate designs. You could even try wire wrapping some small beads or charms to the slices to give them a 3D effect. The possibilities are endless!

For a more natural look, you could use thin slices of wood or dried flowers pressed into the cork. This would be perfect for a rustic-themed wedding. You could also try using gold leaf or other metallic accents for a more glamorous look.

Using memory wire

Memory wire is a great material to use for wine glass charms as it is strong, flexible, and holds its shape well. It is also a quick and easy way to make a multitude of crafts. To make wine glass charms with memory wire, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure you have the correct type of wire. Memory wire is usually purchased in coils of varying sizes, so select a small or tight coil, also known as ring size. You can typically find memory wire in most craft stores, with a variety of colours available to suit your project.

Next, cut a length of wire that is long enough to wrap around the base of your wine glass, with about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch overlap. You will need special memory wire cutters for this, as regular cutters will not be effective and will likely be damaged.

Before adding any beads or charms, create a small loop at one end of the wire. This will stop beads from falling off. You can use round-nosed pliers to do this, but be careful as it will require a fair amount of force. It is easier to bend the loop inwards, following the curve of the wire.

Now, thread on your beads and charms. You can use any type of beads or charms, but ensure they are small enough to fit through the holes in the wire. If you are using a charm with a loop, you may need to add a small jump ring so that it faces the right way.

Once you have added all your beads and charms, finish off with another small loop at the end of the wire to hold everything in place.

Finally, wrap the wire around the base of the wine glass, trim any excess, and gently bend the wire into a loop so that it stays in place.

You can make multiple sets of these charms and give them as gifts or sell them. They are perfect for weddings and other special occasions.

Gluing crystals

To begin the gluing process, apply a small amount of glue to one end of the crystal using a toothpick or by dipping the crystal directly into the glue tube. You can use a 4mm or 5mm crystal for this purpose. This will create a barrier that prevents beads and charms from falling off the wire during the assembly process.

It is important to allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. After the crystal has dried, you can start sliding your beads and charms onto the wire. Feel free to get creative with the types and colours of beads you choose, arranging them symmetrically or in a random pattern.

For added variety, you can incorporate Murano Glass 6x4mm rondelles, which easily slide onto the wire, or wire-wrap other types of Murano beads to create a dangling effect. This extra step can add a unique touch to your wine glass charms.

Frequently asked questions