How to Make Beads From Newspaper
With dwindling resources, it is important to recycle to save and protect the our planet. Paper, especially newspaper, is at the top of the list of recyclables. A fun way to repurpose old newspapers is to create handmade beads. They cost virtually nothing to make and can be combined with other more unusual beads such as lampwork glass beads to create one-of-a-kind decorative accessories. Besides necklaces and bracelets, you can use newspaper beads for beaded curtains or as a fringe for lampshades.
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Things You'll Need
- Old newspapers
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Round toothpicks
- Wood skewer
- Paper glaze
- Brush
Instructions
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Lay out pages of black-and-white pages of newspapers or choose pages with colored printing.
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2
Tear or cut long and thin triangles out of the newspapers. Start with a triangle about 6 inches in length from its flat bottom base to pointed tip. Make the flat bottom base about ¾-inches wide. The width at the base of the triangle determines the length of the bead, in this case 3/4-inches. The length of the triangle from base to tip, plus the inclusion of the toothpick or skewer, determines the diameter of the bead. In this case, 1/8-inches, creating a long narrow bead.
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3
Flip the triangle of paper over so that the good side is facing down. Using a glue stick, apply glue to the top 1-inch of the triangle's peak.
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4
Position a round toothpick or a wood skewer at the flat base of the triangle and start rolling up the paper around the toothpick or skewer.
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5
Rub the glued tip of the newspaper triangle to make sure the glue seals tight to the paper below. This keeps the neatly rolled up bead from unfurling.
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Pull the toothpick or wood skewer out of the bead. Brush on a clear paper glaze to varnish the beads. This will help waterproof them.
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Tips & Warnings
Decorative wrapping papers make dynamic looking paper beads.
Any paper can be used to make paper beads.
Do not wear paper beaded necklaces or bracelets into the shower.
