How to Make Paper Necklaces

You may remember making colorful paper or ribbon chains for your childhood Christmas trees, but now you can use the skill to make simple paper necklaces. Allow your kids to help with this new version of the craft that features smaller loops and more decorative elements.

Things You'll Need

• Cardstock or construction paper
• Patterned paper
• Scissors
• Glue or adhesive dots
• Paint and brushes
• Pens
• Embellishments
• Glitter glue
• Ribbon
• Drinking straw
• String or bead chain

Instructions

1. Trim sheets of cardstock, construction paper or patterned paper into strips 1/2 to 1-inch wide. Cut those into pieces about 5-inches long. Have a variety of colors, textures and designs on hand to vary the look of your necklaces. You can also use colorful magazine advertisements to save money, but the necklace won't be as durable.

2. Take 1 strip and add a thin line of glue or adhesive dots along 1 of the short ends, then wrap it around, press and hold on the other end to create a circle.

3. Slide a second paper strip through the circle and glue its ends together so you've now got 2 attached links in the chain. Repeat the process until the necklace is long enough to slip over your head without stretching or tearing.

4. Use the last strip of paper to join the 2 ends of the chain to complete the necklace.

5. Add pizzazz to your necklace by allowing your kids to draw or paint a picture or design onto the cardstock before trimming it. You can also glue light embellishments to the links like paper flowers, sequins, gems and foam shapes or add glamour with glitter glue. Tie short lengths of ribbon around each link for added interest.

6. Make a paper necklace with a more "sophisticated" look by wrapping 1/4-inch wide strips of patterned paper around a drinking straw until you reach a desired thickness. Tear the rest of the paper off and secure the end with a drop of glue. Slip the paper bead off the straw and repeat the process until you have enough beads to thread onto a piece of string or bead chain to create a necklace.