Mardi Gras means beads, and lots of them.  

Recently, while in Tampa,  I went to Gasparilla.  Gasparilla celebrates the arrival of the pirates to Tampa Bay.  Like Mardi Gras it's a big celebration that includes parades, floats and beads.

As I looked around and saw people covered in beads, I could not help but wonder what was going to happen to them once everyone got home!

So, here is my list of ideas to utilize Mardi Gras Beads, as well as, some pretty creative Mardi Gras bead recycle and upcycle ideas:

• Use beads to make costumes 
• Give beads to the kids to play dress up 
• Have a pirate party and decorate with beads
• Use beads for Holiday decorating (A bowl of festive colored beads for New Year, Hanukah, Christmas or use beads to trim your tree and other decorations)
• Use beads in crafts (see some ideas below)
• Donate them to a teacher for classroom crafts
• Donate them to a senior center for crafts
• Make crafts with the kids
• Use them to adorn gifts instead of ribbon
• For more recycle ideas and upcycle crafts check out planetpals.com. 

So, next time you go to a Mardi Gras Parade or Gasparilla event, and go home covered with beads, think about recycling them.  Remember, if you can't use them, someone can!

But whatever you do--don't just trash them.  Remember-thrift stores are glad to take them, too. Also, don't forget freecycle.

Here are some of our favorite Mardi Gras bead Craft Ideas: 

From Blue Green Arts on blogspot - Mardi Gras Beads Crafts

From Rubypr.com A Mardi Gras chandelier ...all you need is imagination.  Embellish and existing one--or make a new one! 

From Embelishedbyyou A Mardi Gras table decor or hostess gift.  You could also do this during the holidays or any other time of year: 

Also from Embelishedbyyou a Mardi Gra Bead covered Candlestick. 

From Artist Mark Kirk this exquisite Mardi Gras bead lamp:

This Mardi Gras Bead tree is way cool--why not cover a box or plant pot! 

Mardi Gras Bead Lamps 

This work of art Mardi Gras Bead covered Piano called TEMPTATI Is from New Orleans Artist John Lawson:

From Artist Emen Levy Mardi Gras Bead art. Try this yourself or with kids!

 From Etsy Mardi Gras Bead Jewelry:

Make costumes parts such as glasses with beads: 

If you live in New Orleans you can recycle your beads at the following locations:

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