This wooden bead trivet has two tiers – perfect for smaller and larger drink glasses, tea pots, or small pans. Put both together for a larger glass, or use the 6-bead ring for smaller ones. These are easy to make and easy to store on a hook when not in use, too!

Difficulty level: Easy
Time required: 1 hour (includes dry time)
Age range: 10+

Things you’ll need:
Unfinished wood beads
Acrylic paint
Paint brush
Embroidery thread
Large-eyed needle
Scissors

Things to do:
1. Take out 18 beads – 12 for the outer ring and 6 for the inner ring. You’ll be painting 9 of them. You can paint the entire bead, or just a portion of a bead.

2. Here I’ve painted circles.

3. Carefully set the first six beads – for the outside ring – aside to dry.

4. Paint three more beads for the inner ring of the trivet.

5. Thread your needle with enough thread for 12 beads, plus extra to tie it off. Alternately thread 6 painted beads and 6 plain beads onto the thread.

6. Tie the ends together to form a circle. Knot it well.

7. Repeat with the remaining 6 beads – alternating 3 painted beads and 3 plain beads. When it’s time to use the trivet, just put one ring inside the other or use the small circle alone!