DIY: How To Make Paper Beads

If you’re looking for a fun and easy craft to try out, look no further than paper bead making! This relaxing and engaging activity can be enjoyed by anyone, and all you need is some paper, glue, and a little bit of patience. Making paper beads is a great way to use up old magazines, newspapers, or scrap paper that might otherwise go to waste, and the end result can be used as jewelry, home decorations, or even as embellishments for other crafting projects.

To get started with making paper beads, first gather your supplies: scissors, glue, and strips of paper. You can use any type of paper you like, but for a more interesting effect, try using magazines or patterned scrapbooking paper. Cut the paper into long, thin strips, about 1cm wide, and vary the length of the strips to create beads of different sizes. Then, apply a small amount of glue to the end of the strip, and roll it tightly around a toothpick or thin skewer. Keep rolling the paper until you reach the end of the strip, then seal the bead with a little more glue. Repeat with more strips of paper, experimenting with the size and width of your beads to create a variety of shapes and colors.

I. Gathering Your Materials

Gather the Necessary Materials

Making paper beads is a fun and affordable craft that only requires a few basic tools and materials. To start, you’ll need:

1. Scrap paper
2. Scissors
3. Ruler
4. Pencil
5. Glue
6. Toothpick
7. Clear nail polish
8. String or jewelry wire

The great thing about paper beads is that you can use any type of paper you have around the house. Old magazines, junk mail, or colored construction paper can all work well. Just make sure the paper is thin enough to roll without cracking. You can also experiment with different types of glue for a unique finish.

II. Preparing Your Paper

Prepare Your Paper Strips

The first step in making paper beads is to cut your paper into strips. You’ll want to aim for strips that are between 1/4 and 1/2 inch wide.

1. Take your ruler and pencil and measure out your desired width for the strips.
2. Then, using your pencil and ruler, mark the width along the length of your paper.
3. Use your scissors to cut along the markings, creating long strips of paper.

Once you’ve cut your strips, you may want to experiment with different lengths and widths to see how they affect the final bead.

III. Rolling Your Beads

Roll Your Paper Strips into Beads

Now it’s time to start rolling your paper strips into beads. This can be a bit tricky at first, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it.

1. Take one of your paper strips and start rolling it tightly around the toothpick.
2. Keep rolling until you reach the end of the strip.
3. Apply a small amount of glue to the end of the strip and press it firmly onto the bead.
4. Gently slide the toothpick out of the bead.

Once you’ve created your first bead, you can experiment with different shapes by rolling the paper at different angles or using different amounts of pressure.

IV. Adding Color to Your Beads

Add Color to Your Paper Beads

While paper beads can be beautiful on their own, you can also add color to them to create more variety.

1. Choose your desired coloring method – this can include paint, markers, or even nail polish.
2. Take your finished beads and start painting or coloring them. You can use one color or create multi-colored beads by blending different shades.
3. You may wish to add a coat of clear nail polish or varnish to your beads for an added layer of protection.

Adding color to your beads can be a fun and creative way to customize your jewelry and make your collection truly unique.

V. Creating Different Shapes and Styles

Experiment with Different Bead Shapes and Styles

While the traditional paper bead shape is cylindrical, there are many other shapes and styles you can experiment with.

1. Tapered – Start with a thicker end of the strip and gradually thinner towards the other end.
2. Cone – Cut the paper strip into a triangle shape and roll it from the wide end towards the point.
3. Spiral – Cut a strip with a diagonal edge and roll it up at the diagonal to create a spiral.
4. Folded – Fold the paper strip and roll it up to create a bead with a more geometric shape.

The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Experiment with different shapes and styles to create a truly unique and personalized piece of jewelry.

VI. Finishing Your Beads

Finish Your Beads with a Clear Protective Varnish

Once you’ve created your beads and added color if desired, it’s important to finish them with a clear protective varnish.

1. Choose a clear protective varnish such as clear nail polish or acrylic sealer.
2. Lay your beads out on a flat surface lined with wax paper or parchment paper.
3. Apply a thin coat of varnish with a small paintbrush.
4. Allow the beads to dry and repeat the process for added protection.

Finishing your beads with a protective layer of varnish will seal in the color and protect the paper from moisture and damage.

VII. Stringing Your Beads

String Your Beads for a Unique Jewelry Piece

Once your beads dry, you can start stringing them together for a unique piece of jewelry.

1. Choose your preferred jewelry wire or string.
2. Thread one end through the center of your first bead and tie a knot to secure.
3. String more beads until you’ve reached your desired length.
4. Tie another knot at the end of the wire or string and trim any excess.

You can create necklaces, bracelets, and even earrings with your paper beads. Your options are endless when it comes to creating personalized and stylish jewelry.

VIII. Creating Patterns with Your Beads

Make Patterns with Your Paper Beads

One of the great things about paper beads is that they can be used to create patterns and designs.

1. Experiment with combining different bead shapes and sizes.
2. Alternate colors to create a striped pattern or use one color for a monochromatic look.
3. Use different types of paper to create a unique texture and pattern.

Mix and match your paper beads to create a unique and eye-catching piece of jewelry.

IX. Upcycling with Paper Beads

Upcycle with Paper Beads for a Sustainable Craft

Making paper beads is not only a fun craft, but it’s also a sustainable way to upcycle and repurpose old paper.

1. Upcycle old wrapping paper or newspapers into fun and colorful beads.
2. Use outdated magazines to create unique patterns and prints.
3. Turn old books into sentimental pieces of jewelry by using pages from your favorite book.

Making paper beads is a great way to reduce waste and create something beautiful out of materials that would otherwise be thrown away.

X. Sharing Your Creations

Share Your Paper Beads with the World

Now that you’ve created your own unique paper beads, it’s time to share your creations with the world.

1. Wear your new jewelry proudly and show it off to friends and family.
2. Give handmade paper bead jewelry as a gift to a loved one.
3. Share your creations on social media and inspire others to try the craft themselves.

Making paper beads is a fun and creative way to express yourself and create unique pieces of jewelry that reflect your personality and style.

Materials Needed for Making Paper Beads

If you’re interested in creating your own paper beads, you’ll need a few basic supplies. The list below includes everything you’ll need:

1. Paper – Choose paper with different colors and patterns, including magazines, scrapbook paper, or wrapping paper.
2. Scissors – You’ll need a good pair of scissors that can cut through paper easily.
3. Glue – A glue stick or white glue will work well for making paper beads.
4. Toothpicks or skewers – These will be used to roll the paper strips to create the beads.
5. Ruler – You’ll need a ruler to measure the width and length of your paper strips.
6. Cutting mat – You’ll need a cutting mat to cut the paper strips evenly.
7. Paintbrush – You’ll need a paintbrush to apply the glue onto the paper strips.
8. Sealant – A sealant will help protect the finished beads and keep them from getting damaged over time.
9. Jewelry cord – You’ll need jewelry cord to string the beads together.
10. Beading needle – This needle will help you string the beads together more easily.

With the above mentioned materials, you are ready to start making beautiful paper beads. Let’s dive deep into each of these supplies and how they are important in the bead-making process below.

Paper

The first thing to consider when making paper beads is the type of paper you want to use. You can use any type of paper, but some work better than others. Thicker paper like scrapbook paper or cardstock will give your beads a more rigid finish, while thinner paper like magazine pages or wrapping paper will give the beads a more flexible finish.

Most people choose to use paper with striking colors and patterns so that the finished beads will be visually stunning. You can experiment with different types of paper, but it’s best to start with paper that is easy to work with.

Scissors

You’ll need a good pair of scissors that can easily cut through paper. It’s best to use scissors that are sharp and have a pointed tip, as this will make it easier to create pointed beads. Blunt scissors can result in rough edges on your paper strips, which will make it harder to create smooth beads.

Glue

The type of glue you use will depend on your preference. A glue stick will work well and will keep your hands clean, while white glue can be used for a stronger hold. You can experiment with different types of glue to see which works best for you.

Toothpicks or Skewers

Toothpicks or skewers are essential for rolling the paper strips to create the beads. You’ll use them to wrap the paper tightly around the toothpick or skewer to form the bead shape. Using a skewer will give you a larger bead, while a toothpick will give you a smaller, more delicate bead.

Ruler

A ruler is needed to measure the width and length of the paper strips. You’ll want to make sure that your paper strips are uniform in size, so that your finished beads will be consistent in shape and size.

Cutting Mat

A cutting mat is used to cut the paper strips evenly. Using a cutting mat will help ensure that your paper strips are straight and uniform in size.

Paintbrush

A paintbrush is used to apply the glue onto the paper strips. Using a paintbrush will help you apply the glue evenly, resulting in a better hold and a neater finished product.

Sealant

A sealant can be used to protect the finished beads and keep them from getting damaged over time. You can use a clear nail polish or any other clear sealant that you prefer.

Jewelry Cord

Jewelry cord is used to string the paper beads together to create a finished piece of jewelry. You can use any type of jewelry cord that you prefer, such as nylon or leather.

Beading Needle

A beading needle is used to string the beads together more easily. It has a small, pointed tip that helps you thread the jewelry cord through the beads with ease. It’s important to choose a beading needle that is the right size for your jewelry cord.

Materials Needed to Make Paper Beads

As we discussed in the previous section, paper beads are easy to make and require only a few essential materials. If you are interested in making paper beads, here is a list of the materials and tools you will need:

1. Decorative Paper

The first thing you need is the decorative paper. You can use any type of paper you like, including scrapbook paper, magazine pages, or even old book pages. The crucial thing is to choose paper that is not too thick or too thin. Ideally, the paper should be thin enough to roll and glue into place but thick enough to hold its shape. If the paper is too thin, it will tear easily, and if it’s too thick, it will be challenging to roll.

2. Glue Stick

The next essential item on the list is a glue stick. When selecting the glue stick, choose a high-quality one that dries clear and won’t leave any sticky or messy residue. Avoid using liquid glue as it will cause the paper to crinkle or warp.

3. Skinny Straw or Stick

To create the hole in the center of your beads, you need a skinny straw, a bamboo skewer or toothpick. You can get straws from your local stores or use a stick from your backyard that has a small enough diameter to fit through the bead.

4. Cord or String

Once you have made the beads, you will need some string or cord to thread them. Choose a cord that is strong enough to hold the beads, but not too thick that it won’t fit through the bead’s hole. For instance, you can use nylon cord, leather cord, or hemp cord.

5. Clear Sealant

Lastly, clear sealant is an optional material which you can use to coat your paper beads for extra protection against moisture and wear and tear. Ensure that the coating dries clear and does not cause any discoloration. You can use any clear spray sealant like Krylon Acrylic Crystal-Clear Spray, which is effective and can dry quickly.

In conclusion, with these materials at hand, you are set to create your own unique paper beads. In the upcoming section, we will go through the step-by-step process of making paper beads.

Have Fun with Your Paper Beads!

Now that you’ve learned how to make paper beads, it’s time to let your creativity run wild! Experiment with different paper types, colors, and patterns to make your creations truly unique. Whether you’re making jewelry, home decor, or just having fun with friends, making paper beads is a fun and eco-friendly activity. We hope you enjoyed this tutorial and we thank you for reading. Be sure to visit again for more fun and crafty ideas to inspire your creativity!