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Making paper beads is a great way to recycle junk mail , newspapers, or magazines. Paper beads are additionally inexpensive, attractive, and can be used in a multitude of projects. To either make beads from pre-designed paper or to design your own using white paper and markers, simply follow these instructions.
Steps
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Cut your paper. Cut long triangles out of magazines, coloured construction paper, wallpaper, etc. The base of the triangle will be the width of the bead and the longer the triangle is, the fatter the bead will become. The slender 1-inch (2.5cm) beads used in this method are made from 1-inch by 4-inch (2.5cm x 10cm) triangles, but 1/2-inch by 8-inch (1.27cm x 20cm) triangles would create fat 1/2-inch (1.27cm) beads. Cut accordingly..
- Always have a guide or a ruler whenever you want to cut a straight line.
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Add your glue. Turn the triangle design-side down and apply a bit of glue to the pointy end. A glue stick or a tiny bit of liquid glue will do.Advertisement
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Roll the bead. Starting at the wide end, roll the triangle around itself using a dowel, toothpick, or bamboo skewer. For a symmetrical spiral, keep the triangle centered as you roll; for a more free-form look, allow the triangle to become slightly off-centered.- Roll tightly, especially if you want the beads to last. Try to avoid having space between the layers.
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Finish rolling.Glue the tip of the triangle to the rolled paper. If the bead doesn’t stay tightly rolled up, apply another dab of glue. Hold it for a moment to help the glue to set.
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Apply a varnish. Use a finish like Marvin Medium, ModPodge, Diamond Glaze, or a solution of one part clear-drying glue to two parts water. Let it dry thoroughly, making sure it doesn’t stick to anything. You might shove a toothpick into a pincushion or a piece of Styrofoam to allow it to dry completely. Add multiple coats for a glossier, longer-lasting finish.
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Remove your bead. Wait several hours until your clear finish has set on the bead. Slide the bead off the end of the dowel. If it is well wrapped and glued, it will hold. If the bead begins to unravel, replace it on your skewer and add more glue and finish where necessary.
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Create more beads. Use the aforementioned directions to create as many beads as you would like to finish your project. Make several for jewelry pieces, or create a long string to use for decoration in your home. [1] X Research source
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Cut your paper. Cut long triangles from a piece of white printing paper. The base of the triangle will be the width of the bead and the longer the triangle is, the fatter the bead will become. 1-inch by 4-inch (2.5cm x 10cm) triangles will make slender 1-inch (2.5cm) beads, whereas 1/2-inch by 8-inch (1.27cm x 20cm) triangles would create fat 1/2-inch (1.27cm) beads. Cut accordingly.
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Create your design. Draw on each cut-out with markers, pencils, or pens. Since the triangle will eventually be rolled onto itself, only the outermost edges and the last inch or two of the tip of the paper will be visible; these are the areas where you should focus your design. Play around with a few colors and design combinations as you go to see what looks best.
- Color the tip of the triangle red and then alternate 1-inch (2.5cm) strips of orange and red marker down the outside edges; this would create a bead with a red center surrounded by orange and red stripes.
- Color the tip of the triangle black, move down an inch, draw 1-inch (2.5cm) black strips on either outside edge, move down an inch, and repeat; this would create a zebra-striped bead with a black center.
- Do not use washable markers, especially if you plan to glaze your beads; the colors will run.
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Add your glue. Turn each triangle design-side down and apply a bit of glue to the pointy end. A glue stick or a tiny bit of liquid glue will do.
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Begin rolling your bead. Starting at the wide end, roll the triangle around itself using a dowel or other slender cylinder. A rounded toothpick or bamboo skewer would work nicely as well. Keep the triangle centered as you roll, otherwise, your designs won’t display correctly.Roll tightly, especially if you want the beads to last. Try to avoid having space between the layers.
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Finish the bead. Glue the tip of the triangle to the rolled paper. If the bead doesn’t stay tightly rolled up, apply another dab of glue.
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Add a varnish. Use a finish like Marvin Medium, ModPodge, or Diamond Glaze. Let it dry thoroughly, making sure it doesn't stick to anything. Try putting your toothpick into a pincushion or a piece of Styrofoam to keep it from coming into contact with anything.
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Remove the bead. When the finish has had time to dry completely, slide the bead off the end of the dowel. If it is well wrapped and glued, it will hold.
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Create more beads. For earrings or a bracelet, you might make only a few beads. For a necklace or other larger project, you'll need more.
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Add paint. Before you add your varnish, use paint to create an additional decorative design along the outside of your beads. For extra texture, use puff paint which dries in a bubble-like form above the surface of the bead.
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Put on a little glitter. To make your beads sparkly, use glitter glue or loose glitter over the surface of the paper. Add the glitter before your final coat of varnish to keep it from rubbing off as a result of wear and tear. Try adding several coats of glitter in different colors for a lovely rainbow effect.
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Wrap the beads up in string. Don't thread the beads on string; use string to create a decorative pattern along the outside of the paper. Cut a small piece of colored thread and use glue to wrap the exterior of the bead with the string. Use several pieces of string for added color and texture.
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Use a little wire. Use colored florists wire to thread the beads and create pretty spiral or geometric patterns around the outside. Run the wire through the middle of the bead, and then bend it to shape around the bead.
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Give your beads a glaze. Use a translucent nail polish or watered down paint to coat your bead in an additional color. Adding the glaze will create a light, semi-opaque layer of color over the paper. You can also use watercolor paints for this.
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Finished.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhen the bead is finished, does it turn hard or is it soft?Community AnswerThey are somewhat delicate usually but the end effect depends on how much glaze or glue you put on them when completed. Be careful with them and they should be fine.
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QuestionCan I use paper beads to decorate a dress, or it will it ruin after washing?Paula BinderCommunity AnswerDon't decorate the dress, but you can certainly make an amazing necklace, earrings, a ring and bracelet to set off your dress.
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QuestionCan I use fabric to get the same effect?Community AnswerIf you put plenty of varnish on the outside, and use FABRIC glue, fabric should work. The beads will be more flexible, and may work better on a string necklace/bracelet than on wire.
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Tips
- Magazines work great as a training paper. It's easy to roll, it helps the environment, and it looks great! You don't have to worry about design. You can focus on technique. Plus you don't waste printer paper.Thanks
- Avoid using thick paper or construction paper for the triangles. Thinner paper will roll more easily.Thanks
- If you want smaller beads, you can cut thin strips instead. Just be careful that they’re not too thin.Thanks
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Warnings
- Even if they are coated with plenty of glue or paint, these beads are paper, so don't get them wet.Thanks
- Use appropriate caution with scissors, glue, and craft knives.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Either colorful paper or plain white paper and permanent markers
- Scissors or craft knife
- Glue or glue stick
- A thin dowel about 1/8 inch (3mm) in diameter; a thicker or thinner rod will vary the effect
- Hairbrush (optional)
References
- ↑ http://rookiemag.com/2012/04/paperbeads-diy/
- How to Make a Bracelet Out of Tissue
About This Article
Article Summary
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To make paper beads, cut narrow triangles out of paper. The width of the base will be the width of the bead, and the longer the triangle is, the fatter the bead will be. Once the triangles are cut, put a little glue at the tip of the triangle, and put a toothpick at the base. Then, roll the triangle around the toothpick, starting at the base, and use the tip of the triangle to glue it together. Finally, seal it with a varnish like Diamond Glaze and let it dry. To learn how to personalize your beads with markers, paint, or string, read more!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I made paper beads as a child and just recently showed some friends how to. Look up info and found a lot of new info I did not know about decorating them. We had just used magazines, but wow, now we have scrapbooking paper and never thought of wrapping paper." ..." more
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"I made paper beads as a child and just recently showed some friends how to. Look up info and found a lot of new info I did not know about decorating them. We had just used magazines, but wow, now we have scrapbooking paper and never thought of wrapping paper."
..."
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"I do not want to buy beads so my budgie can have fun. Those are usually too small. Making these paper beads are fun for both my budgie and I, and I have a lot of paper. Thanks!"
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"I always wanted this craft kit on paper beads which comes with all the equipment and all, but after I saw this article I figured I had all the equipment to make these myself."
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"The large color photos step by step. Variety of products used. I make other costume jewelry - can't wait to try something new!"
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"The whole article was very helpful. The instructions were excellent, very easy to follow. Your website is beautiful!"
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