DIY Recycled Jewelry

DIY beads can be made to create personalized jewelry

Making recycled jewelry is one way to conserve the earth while creating something stylish. Use old newspapers to create paper beads, which can be used to make anything from a strand necklace to bracelets. These simple steps will guide you in making a recycled jewelry piece.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Glue Stick
• Natural jewelry cord
• Bamboo skewer
• Jewelry clasps
• Paper glaze
• Paint brush
• Crystal beads

Instructions

1. Remove a page from an old newspaper. Choose a page with small print, this will create consistency in each bead.

2. Cut thin strips of paper vertically from the page; the bottom should be wider and the top should gradually taper off to a point, creating a long triangle. By cutting the paper in a triangular shape, the bead will form a barrel. Apply glue along the last inch of the tapered end.

3. Place the bamboo skewer at the strip's bottom. Carefully roll the paper around the skewer until reaching the tapered end. Make as many beads as needed. Once you have completed all your beads, paint the beads with a small amount of paper glaze and allow them to dry. The paper glaze strengthens the beads for wearing.

4. String a few color beads onto a jewelry cord in a dark brown, natural or egg shell color for a natural look. Space the beads along the cord. On each side of the paper beads, place one small and one large crystal bead for a contemporary design.

5. Tie the jewelry clasps onto the ends of the cord, ensuring the clasps are secured before wearing. You can also create a matching bracelet using the same method.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also create beads using wallpaper strips.

References

• Threadbangers; Paper Bead Jewelry