About How to Make Beads

Making beaded jewelry is fun, but many types of beads are expensive. One way to save money is to make your own beads. One very easy and inexpensive method bead making is to use paper. Any kind of sturdy paper is appropriate---colorful magazine pages, old wrapping paper, newspaper and construction paper are all good for making beads.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Toothpicks
• Glue
• Paint (optional)
• Q-tips or small brushes
• Clear nail polish
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Draw a triangle 12-inches long with a base ½- to 1-inch wide near the paper's edge. Make sure both sides of triangle tilt inward.

2. Cut out the triangle. Beginning with the wide end, wrap the triangle around the toothpick until about an inch of the tip is left. Dab some glue on the tip and press it down. Make sure the triangle is centered while you roll it to avoid a lopsided bead.

3. Paint designs onto the bead. Slide the bead off the toothpick and allow to dry for an hour. Coat the bead in clear nail polish and allow to dry for another hour.

4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 until you have all the beads you need for a necklace.

References

• Paper beads instructions.
• Painted paper beads.
• Tutorial video.