Pretty, and no glass mix-ups at the party!

If you have ever been to a party and lost track of your wine glass, you’ll love these wine glass charms. I’ll show you how to make them and if you decide that’s too much trouble, I’ll show you where to buy a cute set.

Wine charms are a unique gift idea for hostess gifts, wedding gifts, housewarming gifts, and more. I recently gave the set of charms in the photos here to my future daughter-in-law at her bridal shower. She loved them, and they were easy enough to make that my 13-year-old son made several with me in just a few minutes. So it’s a great last-minute-gift, too.

Here are the supplies you’ll need to make 16 charms, and you can buy everything at a local craft shop or discount store like Wal Mart or Target.

Roll of memory wire in 10 2-inch loops, or 20 2-inch individual memory wire loops. Have a few extra loops on hand in case you misshape some when bending the ends into loops. You could wrap larger memory wire into small loops, but pre-rolled wire is easier.

• 100 – 130 small, colored beads (optional) in a size that will fit nicely onto your wire.
• 16 metal or plastic charms, all different
• Pair of small wire cutters
• Pair of pliers, with rounded tips if possible (jewelry pliers)

Step 1: If using a roll of memory wire, cut each loop apart at even intervals with your wire cutters so that they form individual rings.

Step2: With your pliers, twist one end of each wire ring into a small loop.

Step 3: Place 3 or 4 beads on each wire ring, then a charm, then a matching number of beads.

Step 4: Bend the other end of each ring upward at a right angle to the looped end so that it forms a hook that latches into the loop and closes the ring.

That’s it! A fast, easy, and unique gift or something to keep glasses separated at your next party. Be creative and use alphabet beads instead of charms, or use themed-charms for weddings and vary the color of the accent beads instead of the charms.

Buy a small sheer drawstring bag in the wedding supply section of your craft or discount store to hold your charms inside their gift box, or simply give to your lucky recipient in the little bag–very pretty!

This illustration shows how to form the loop-and-hook ends and string the beads and charm onto your metal loop.

This is the set of charms we made. Photo taken with an iPhone, so it's a bit blurry.

Making these charms is actually a bit more expensive than buying them if you don’t the supplies on hand, unless you can find a sale on charms. Mine cost about $20 to make. I already had the red beads, wire cutters, and jewelry pliers.

Amazon sells several pretty styles of wine glass charms, so if you have a few days to spare (for shipping) and you’re not set on a do-it-yourself craft project, you might want to buy them instead. Check shipping prices before ordering if your decision to buy is based only on cost, or order multiple sets in one shipment–they certainly won’t add much to the shipping weight!

Plan well ahead for holiday gifts and keep an eye out for charms on clearance, or clip a Michael’s or Hobby Lobby coupon and use those to keep your DIY gift affordable.

If this is to be a special gift, keep in mind that it will be much more personal and appreciated if you make it yourself. Have fun, and please let me know if you need any help with your project!