Making paper beads is an easy way to recycle old magazines and other paper into something more interesting. It is cheap and the results are useful and beautiful!
What you need
• Scissors or craft knife
• Glue or glue stick
• Colourful paper or magazines you can cut up
• A thin rod about 3mm in diameter. You can use a thicker or thinner rod to vary the effect. The end of a paintbrush also works!
• String, yarn, or elastic.
You may also find these useful
• Jewellery fastenings
• Any other beads or embellishments you would like to include
• A needle to help string the beads
• Jewellery tools (optional)
Warning
• Use appropriate caution with scissors, glue, and craft knives.
• Even if your beads are coated with plenty of glue or paint remember they are paper, so don't get them wet.
How to make the beads
Step 1: Cutting
Cut a length of paper in a small strip. Then cut triangles
Step 2: Gluing
Apply a bit of glue to the pointy end of the triangle
Step 3: Roll round a rod
Starting at the wide end use a rod to roll the triangle into a cylindrical bead shape.
Step 4: Roll up
Make sure the narrow end sticks firmly and the bead stays rolled up. Apply another dot of glue if needed.
Step 5: Slide the bead off
Slide the bead off the end of the rod.
Step 6: Brush with protector (optional)
Brush your beads with a solution of one part clear white glue to two or three parts water. Let them dry thoroughly, making sure they don't stick to anything while they dry. Try hanging them on a string to dry.
Step 7:
Sring the beads together into a necklace/earrings/bracelet and enjoy wearing your own handmade craft jewellery.
Make as many beads as you want. For earrings or a bracelet, you could make only a few beads. For a necklace you'll need more.
Handy tips
• Avoid using thick paper or construction paper for your triangles. Thinner paper will roll more easily.
• Colourful magazine pages and wallpaper samples or gift wrap are great for making beads.
• Roll tightly, especially if you want the beads to last. Try to avoid having space between the layers.
• Work over paper to avoid making a mess.
• Vary the appearance of the finished bead by coloring or painting the paper.
• You can even paint the outside of the beads with clear nail polish. This gives them an extra sparkle and makes them sturdier.