To go along with the dowel tree we made these fun bottle cap ornaments. This particular set is for the "O Antiphons." We are also making one of the "12 Days of Christmas" so that we can continue to hang a set of ornaments on the tree each day of the Christmas season.
These ornaments are quite simple to make if you have some beading/jewelry making supplies. It's also a good way to recycle bottle caps. Some bottle caps are decorative like the ones from IZZE bottles in the picture below and can be used as is (after washing). Others with writing and logos you don't want to see need to be painted before using. You can also buy "craft" bottle caps at many craft and hobby stores.
Thread selected beads onto wire: 3-5 is a good number depending on the size of beads chosen. Materials:
-beads (various colors to match theme)
-24 or 26 gauge jewelry wire
-crimp beads
-bottle caps
-spray paint (optional)
-foam mount sticky tape
-wire cutter
-chain nose or crimp pliers
-awl or thin nail
-hammer
-images for picture (clip art, old Christmas cards, holy cards, photograph, etc.)
Make two holes close together in the rim of each bottle cap using an awl or thin nail.
Cut a piece of wire approximately 3 1/2 inches in length. Thread wire through holes as shown.
Twist wire together tightly.
Add crimp bead and pinch closed with pliers. This keeps the beads from sliding off. Bend wire to form small loop.
Cut out desired image or picture to insert into bottle cap. A quarter makes a nice template for getting the correct size. For the "O Antiphons" I used these images at Catholic Culture. Cut and pasted into a Word document they turned out to be the perfect size to fit. Use double backed sticky foam or tape to adhere image inside of bottle cap. The ornament is now ready for hanging.