Making paper beads is a great way to recycle junk mail, old newspapers and magazines. They are very inexpensive, beautiful to look at, and can be used for many other craft projects. Follow these simple instructions to make beads with colored paper or using white sheets that you can decorate yourself.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: With pre-colored paper
Step 1. Cut the paper
Take some old newspapers, colored paper, wallpaper, etc., and cut out triangles whose base represents the width of the beads. The longer the triangle, the greater the diameter of the bead. The thin (2.5cm) beads you see in these images are created with 2.5x10cm triangles. If you use 1.27x20 cm triangles you will get smaller but fuller beads. Proceed to cut according to your needs.
Step 2. Spread the glue
Turn the triangle over so that the image you are interested in is facing down and apply a little glue on the tip. Glue stick or a drop of liquid is fine.
Step 3. Roll up the bead
Start from the widest end and roll the triangle up on itself with the help of a stick, a toothpick or a bamboo skewer. If you want to get a symmetrical spiral, keep the triangle stationary in the center as you roll; if you want a bead that develops naturally, let the triangle offset slightly.
Roll the paper very tightly, especially if you want the beads to last a long time. Do not leave space between one layer and another
Step 4. Finish the process
Glue the tip of the triangle to the rolled paper. If the bead isn't tight, add another drop of glue. Keep a little pressure for a few moments to allow the glue to set.
Step 5. Spread the clearcoat
You can use a finishing product of your choice or a mixture of two parts water and one part vinyl glue. Wait until the bead is dry so it doesn't stick to any surface. You can stick the toothpick into a pillow or piece of Styrofoam and wait for it to dry. Add several coats of glossy finish as well to ensure extra durability to the bead.
Step 6. Remove the bead
After several hours the clear coat will be dry. Remove the bead from the toothpick / stick. If it has been well wrapped and glued, it will not come apart. If it starts to open, put it back on the stick and add more glue and finishing polish.
Step 7. Make more beads
Use the same method to create all the beads you need for your project. You can build several pieces of jewelry or make a long strip to decorate the house.
Part 2 of 3: With Paper to Decorate
Step 1. Cut the paper
Take plain white printer paper and cut out triangles. The base represents the final width of the bead, while the longer the triangle, the wider the bead will be. To make the beads of these images (2.5 cm), we cut out triangles of 2.5 x 10 cm. If you make 1.27x20 cm triangles you will get shorter but thicker beads. Adjusted to your needs.
Step 2. Create your design
Embellish each triangle with markers, pencils or pens. Since the triangle will be rolled up on itself, only the final part (the last two or three centimeters towards the tip) will be visible, so focus your efforts on this area. Have fun with a couple of colors and find the combination you like best.
- Color the tip red and alternate 2.5cm orange stripes along the edges. You will get a bead with a red center surrounded by red and orange stripes.
- Color the tip black, work your way down by 2.5 cm and draw black stripes along the outer edge. Go down another 2, 5 cm and repeat, you will get a "zebra" bead with a black center.
- Do not use washable markers, especially if you plan to glaze the beads, otherwise the design will run.
Step 3. Add the glue
Turn the triangle over with the decorated part down and apply a little glue on the tip. Glue sticks or liquid ones are fine.
Step 4. Roll up the bead
Start from the widest end of the triangle and help yourself with a stick or other thin and cylindrical object. A bamboo skewer or rounded toothpick is great. Keep the triangle well centered as you roll the paper, otherwise the design won't look the way you want. Tighten each layer well so the bead will last longer, avoid leaving space between one round and the next.
Step 5. Refine the bead
Glue the tip of the triangle to the rolled paper. If the bead doesn't stay closed, add a drop of glue again.
Step 6. Spread the clearcoat
You can use a specific product. Let the finish dry completely so it doesn't stick to any surface. You can stick the toothpick / stick into a pillow or piece of Styrofoam to prevent contact.
Step 7. Remove the bead
When the finish is completely dry, remove the bead from the stick / toothpick. If it is well rolled and glued, it will stay closed.
Step 8. Make lots of beads
If you want to make bracelets or earrings, just a few will be enough. But if you want to make a necklace or a more complex project, you will have to build many.
Part 3 of 3: Decorating the Beads
Step 1. Add some paint
Before applying the protective finishing coat, you can create other designs and decorations on the beads. If you want to give them a particular surface, use the paints that swell when dry so you will have three-dimensional patterns.
Step 2. Put on some glitter
To make your creations sparkle you can use glitter glue or sprinkle the beads with sequins after applying a coat of glue. Remember to put the glitter before the final clear coat to prevent it from coming off with use. Add several layers of different colored glitter for a lovely rainbow effect.
Step 3. Wrap the beads in the ribbons
Do not put them on the ribbons, but use the latter to create decorative motifs on the outside of the paper. Cut small pieces of thread and glue them to the outside of the beads. You can use several pieces of different colors.
Step 4. Use some wire
Get the florist's one, colored to fit the beads into spirals or geometric constructions that wrap them on the outside. Run the wire along the center of the bead and then fold it to your chosen shape.
Step 5. Make the beads sparkle
Use clear nail polish or dilute the varnish a lot to add another shade. This allows you to coat your creations with a clear, semi-opaque layer of color. You can also use watercolors for this purpose.
Step 6. Finished
Advice
- Don't forget wrapping paper and collage sheets at fine art stores. One sheet can make a huge difference.
- If you have old calendars, you can cut out the photos and use them to make some quaint, shiny beads.
- Avoid using thick paper or card stock. Thin sheets are easier to roll up.
- Cut the beads to your preferred size when they have dried. You need to wait until the glue is completely dry, otherwise they will unroll.
- Work on a very large sheet of paper to avoid making a mess. If you are using a utility knife, work on an old mat, card stock, or magazine to avoid damaging the table surface.
Warnings
- Even if they are covered with glue or paint, these beads are made of paper so avoid getting them wet.
- Be careful when using scissors, glue, and utility knife.
