How to Use Loose African Paper Beads
African paper beads are often made by native tribes in Africa, and are bright and colorful. Many people collect them over time. If you have a collection, or even if you have just a few beads, here are some ideas for how to use them and display them.
Several uses include keeping the beads loose, gluing or sewing them onto projects, or stringing them together to make various items such as jewelry or decorative curtains.
Instructions
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Uses for Loose Beads
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Use loose African paper beads to fill a bowl as decoration. The bowl can be decorative and a matching or complimentary color, or it can be clear glass or plastic to better display the colors of the beads.
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Glue the loose African paper beads onto something to enhance its appeal. Try outlining a mirror with the beads, surrounding a picture frame with the beads, or encircling a potted houseplant with the beads.
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Crochet the loose African paper beads into a project. String the beads onto the yarn before starting the project, then pull them into the design as you crochet. Projects that would look great with beads include sweaters, shawls or afghans.
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Sew the loose African paper beads onto clothing, pillow cases or bed skirts. You could also use the beads to sew onto the edge of a table cloth or table runner.
Uses for Strung Beads
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String loose African paper beads to make a beaded curtain for a doorway. When stringing the beads, use thick string and make knots in between each bead. If you want, you can supplement the curtain with other types of beads, as well.
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String the loose African paper beads to make a decorative garland for around the house or the Christmas tree. You can also string the garland over the top swath of curtains, if the colors are complimentary.
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Beaded Fringe String the loose African beads to make fringe. Fringe can be used on a bed skirt, clothing, curtains, and tablecloths. Decide on the length you want the fringe to be, usually just one or two beads. Then decide on the width that the fringe will extend, and plan accordingly. Remember to make knots in between the beads.
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Make jewelry with the loose African paper beads. You can make a watchband by stringing the beads together, or you can make a necklace with matching earrings if you have enough beads. Also, make a belt with the beads in a single or double string adding a wooden decorative buckle to match.
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Tips & Warnings
When not in use, store beads in a sealed plastic bag to keep the moisture out.
If you do not have enough loose African paper beads for your intended project, then supplement them by putting clear plastic or colorful matching plastic beads in between.
Use painted wooden beads to compliment the loose African paper beads.
Make sure you have enough beads to make your project from the start.
References
- Photo Credit wood beads, colored beads image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com bead curtain image by Bruce Hewitson from Fotolia.com
