Making paper beads is a great way to recycle junk mail, newspapers, or magazines and it's about as inexpensive as beads get. To either make beads from pre-designed paper or to design your own using white paper and markers, simply follow these instructions.
EditSteps
Make beads using pre-colored paper
- 1Cut long triangles out of magazines, colored construction paper, wallpaper, etc. Choose colors that you like. 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.
- If you want the beads to be uniform, be sure to cut them all the same size.
- If you want the beads to be uniform, be sure to cut them all the same size.
- 2Turn a 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.
- 3Starting 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. 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.
- Roll tightly, especially if you want the beads to last. Try to avoid having space between the layers.
- 4Glue the tip of the triangle to the rolled paper. If the bead doesn’t stay tightly rolled up, apply another dab of glue.
- 5Recommended: Extend the life of each bead by glazing it. Use a finish like Marvin Medium, ModPodge, Diamond Glaze, or a solution of one part clear-drying glue to two or three parts water. Let it dry thoroughly, making sure it doesn’t stick to anything. (For example, you might shove a toothpick into a pincushion, or a piece of Styrofoam, or remove the bead and hang it to dry on a piece of string.)
- 6Slide the bead off the end of the dowel. If it is well wrapped and glued, it will hold.
- 7Repeat Steps 2 through 6 to make as many beads as you want. For earrings or a bracelet, you might make only a few beads. For a necklace or other larger project, you'll need more.
Make beads with your own designs
- 1Cut 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.
- If you want the beads to be uniform, be sure to cut them all the same size.
- If you want the beads to be uniform, be sure to cut them all the same size.
- 2Draw on a triangle with permanent markers. 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 color and design combinations as you go, to see what looks best. For example:
- 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.
- 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.
- 3Turn a 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.
- 4Starting 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. 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.
- Roll tightly, especially if you want the beads to last. Try to avoid having space between the layers.
- 5Glue the tip of the triangle to the rolled paper. If the bead doesn’t stay tightly rolled up, apply another dab of glue.
- 6Recommended: Extend the life of each bead by glazing it. Use a finish like Marvin Medium, ModPodge, or Diamond Glaze. Let it dry thoroughly, making sure it doesn’t stick to anything. (For example, you might shove a toothpick into a pincushion, or a piece of Styrofoam, or remove the bead and hang it to dry on a piece of string.)
- 7Slide the bead off the end of the dowel. If it is well wrapped and glued, it will hold.
- 8Repeat Steps 2 through 6 to make as many beads as you want. For earrings or a bracelet, you might make only a few beads. For a necklace or other larger project, you'll need more.
EditVideo
EditTips
- Use a plastic bristled hairbrush for a drying/glazing rack.
- Avoid using thick paper or construction paper for the triangles. Thinner paper will roll more easily.
- Don't forget gift wrap and fancy papers found in the scrapbook section of craft stores. One sheet will go a long way.
- Look for photographs with colors and textures in them you like. The subjects won't be very visible after being chopped into triangles and rolled up, but the palette certainly will be. The beads in these photos started life as a jacket ad in a catalog.
- Work over paper to avoid making a mess. Put a cutting mat or old piece of cardboard or magazine underneath to spare your table if you choose to cut the triangles with a craft knife.
- You can measure the widths or eyeball them for a more variable, handcrafted look.
- Try these beads as a three-dimensional addition to a collage or paper mosaic.
- You can even paint the outside of the beads with nail polish. This gives them an extra sparkle and makes them sturdier.
- You can also make this type of bead using plastic wrappers, such as the ones from bread, hot dog, and hamburger sacks. Look for colorful ones.
- You can cut them after they have dried to make different sizes as needed. You need to wait until the glue has completely dried, or they will simply unroll back into strips.
EditWarnings
- Use appropriate caution with scissors, glue, and craft knives.
- Even if they are coated with plenty of glue or paint, these beads are paper, so don't get them wet.
EditThings 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)
