Beaded Mardi Gras Craft Ideas

Though big Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States started in 1837, throwing of beaded necklaces didn't begin until the 1880s. History has it that one of the Krewes had a member dress up as Santa Claus and toss out glass beads to onlookers. 

Sometime since these glass beads were replaced with the plastic and aluminum strands we're familiar with today. Trading these at Mardi Gras celebrations for a "flash" is thought to have originated sometime in the 1970s.

We acquire our own Mardi Gras beads through the more demure route of shopping for them at our party store, and every year there's always an excess of extra after the Fat Tuesday parties are over.

If you find you've got too many Mardi Gras beads lying around and you don't want to just toss them, try getting crafty and tapping into your inner-DIY maven.

Our crafty contributor Emma put together these three simple Mardi Gras decor ideas using some beads she had on hand. They've got the trendy metallic element that's popular this year as well as some chic and stylish color combinations, which will have you showcasing them around your space.

Budget-friendly, yes. Cheap looking? Not at all!

Give one, two or all three a try and display your crafty decor all year long.