How to Create Paper Beads
Paper beads are the perfect project for hobbyists of any age. They're an inexpensive craft and chances are good that you already have all the necessary supplies. Paper beads can be big and basic for little fingers, or crafters with an artistic bent can turn them into miniature works of art. They can be used to make original jewelry, or they can be traded with friends. Paper beads are also a creative way of keeping used paper out of the landfills.
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Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Scissors
- Darning needles
- Toothpick or plastic straw
- White craft glue
- Waxed paper
- Varnish, nail polish or enamel paint
- Fine-tip marker (optional)
- String, twine or fishing line
Instructions
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Select the paper for your beads. Nearly any type of paper will work. It can be brightly colored magazine or catalog pages, recycled newspaper, junk mail or grocery bags, gift wrapping paper, origami paper, old wall posters or plain white paper.
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2
Cut the paper for your beads. Start with long, triangular pieces that are approximately 1.5-inches wide and 10- to 12-inches long. You can also cut rectangular pieces, which will result in cylindrical beads.
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3
Wrap the paper around a large darning needle or a toothpick. It may be easier for young children to roll the paper around a plastic straw. Glue the wide end of the paper to the straw to make it easier to roll, and when the bead is completed, leave the straw in the bead and cut away the ends.
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4
Affix the paper's pointy end to the bead with a drop of white craft glue. Hold the paper bead for a few seconds, allowing the glue to set. If you've used a needle or a toothpick, pull it out of the bead. Put the beads on a piece of waxed paper to dry.
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5
Coat the dried paper beads with varnish or a layer of clear nail polish. You can paint the beads with enamel paint or decorate them with fine-tip markers. String the dried beads on string, twine, or clear fishing line.
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