Recycling Crafts: Rolled Paper Beads

To help celebrate Earth Day we have started to create Paper Bead Necklaces that we will wear during our Earth / Arbor Craft Day this year.   These are so easy and wanted to share the How-to with you!

Recycling Crafts: Rolled Paper Beads and Necklaces!

pictures from creativejewishmom.com


Supplies:

• glossy printed pages, grouped according to color theme  (multicolored, earth tones, black and white print)
• white glue
• something smooth to roll the bead around — the handle of a paintbrush (these are nice because the taper of the handle makes the beads easier to slide off) dowels, pencils or pens, broomsticks?
• scissors
• varnish — spray or water based brush-on acrylic (optional)
• glass or wooden beads (optional)

Step By Step How-To:

Step 1: Cut an elongated triangle out of catalog or magazine paper. (the base of the triangle will determine the length of the bead, the longer the triangle, the chubbier the bead) Rough proportions for this triangle are 2" base and 7" length. Experiment with different sizes to obtain a result you are happy with.

Step 2: Smear a bit of the glue on the inside of the triangle as shown.  If you apply glue along the entire length it will be hard to slide the bead off the stick after rolling.

Step 3: Starting at the wide end, roll the triangle around your stick of choice.

Step 4: For best results roll carefully such that when the bead is entirely rolled, the end point of the triangle will lie at the center point. (see picture)


Step 5: Carefully slide bead off the stick. If you rolled your bead too tight at the rolling step, you will discover it at this time, as your bead will be stuck! (If this is the case roll more loosely with the others...)

Step 6: Set beads aside to dry on a glue-free surface, such as a clean plate, and be careful to keep them separated or they may stick together as they dry. When dry, beads can be sprayed with a coat of gloss varnish for extra protection and shine. Water based acrylic varnish can be brushed on— a less hazardous and healthier option but more work!


Step 7: When the glue is dry, beads can be strung on a variety of materials— dental floss, yarn, kite string, fishing line or wire. You might want to string heavier glass or wooden beads in between the paper beads to give the necklace a more satisfying weight, and allowing the necklace to lie nicely on the proud wearer!

Step 8: Enjoy! And remember beads are not just for girls! They can be used for a wide variety of projects other than necklaces.