How to Make Paper Beads

Step 4 Varnish, leave to dry and finish

Thread all your beads on plastic wire or string. I recommend a thickish plastic, fishing type thread as the beads will slide off easily once dry. Whatever you chose to use, ensure it does not allow for the varnish to seep in and bock the holes. Once fully strung, start varnishing, we use a brush and give them at least 2 coats of varnish. Leave to dry for 2-3 days, and your beads are ready to use!

Comments

[desip]

I wonder if something like modge podge would work as a varnish... it is waterproof....

[willow.narwhal]

Mod Podge works fine. I just used it on mine a few hours ago. I had some problems with the beads sticking together, but once it dries, you can easily pop them back apart as long as you don't apply it too thick.

[Soon~to~Be]

It works great for me. Some things probably work better, but I find it to work better than the plain clear nail polish

[MaryOfExeter]

Hi :)
Just wanted to say a great tutorial and beautiful beads. But I do have a question.
To speed up my little production I have going (cause it's so much fun, I can't stop! :P), I thought stringing them like you do would help a lot cause I can varnish larger batches at once. But my question is, do yours ever get stuck together? I use a spray acrylic, so they don't get totally drenched, but it still seems like the ends would dry together where they touch?

[Wicken]

I have found that the way around this problem is to give your strings a good shake several times while they dry. Also, narrow-ended beads stick less than wide-ended beads. If you are still having trouble, buy some glass beads at the dollar store and alternate them with the paper beads on the string. You can reuse the glass beads for a long time.

[zyx456]

I do mine on individual toothpicks

[Mzuribeads]

Hi, Mary To avoid sticking together, find and experiment with different diameters and materials you hang them on.. you can also attempt a different size bead hole. Experimenting with these sizes, and materials will eventually result in perfect beads, not sticking together. I hope this helps, Mzuribeads http://www.mzuribeads.com/ Uganda

[TwilightRose]

 I agree, I think varnishing in bulk is more efficient. I'll bet they wouldn't stick together if you were to tie a knot in the string between each bead. I'm going to try that once I've made enough to varnish. 

[Nienna247]

Or you could even try using hole-punch leftovers after punching laminated paper, or even sparkle confetti type discs that have a hole in them already to separate the drying beads. The kind you can buy from party stores or craft stores. If its plastic then it hopefully shouldn't tear when they're finished. I though it may be quicker initially than tying knots constantly.

[Fallen_Siren]

What kind of Varnish do you use?

[Wicken]

I have been using a furniture varnish I got at the hardware store. Right now, I am using a light walnut stain to add an antiqued tint to my beads.

[Mzuribeads]

Hi Fallen Siren, We are based in Uganda and use a range of varnishes. Let us know if you are in Uganda, and we may be able to help you source. However, if you are not we suggest experimenting with many, starting with maybe a boat varnish found in most DIY stores? Mzuribeads http://www.mzuribeads.com/

[janeSi]

well,thank you very much. It's awesome :)

[veggieporn]

thankyou for a marvellous instructible! your beads are beautiful.. have just made my first beads with some thick shiny paper from some packaging..am going to try it with some old wallpaper next :-)))

[theHERO]

 GREAT GREAT GREAT instructable!!
This is really helpful and I am fasho doing it(:
Thanks!

[ziggiau]

This instructable has led me in such a new and creative direction. I LOVE paper craft and needed something to go with my constructed origami projects. But once I started making beads, I just can't stop!!! I don't read magazines anymore, I look for how appropriate their colours are for bead making. I'm still perfecting my technique but I'm really loving the journey!

[Chante]

Wow what a great way 2 recycle paper, I'm studying at the North-West University of South-Africa, and we really have a problem with paper waste... I'm also part of an academic student group and we will definitely be trying this as our new project on recycling! Thanks

[TheFawns]

omg, those are really pretty, and to think they were just made with paper!!! im going to try this out :D but i wonder if you can make the hole a bit bigger for a thicker string to fit.....

[sgsidekick]

You can use metal/aluminum knitting needles as the mandrel to wind the paper onto. They come in a variety of sizes!

[TheFawns]

oh, hey thanks :D yay!! lol now im gonna make tons of these things :) once again, thanks :P

[Mzuribeads]

Dear Fawns, The beauty is that you can make any size shape of hole or bead. Use either a toothpick or needle for a small hole, and simply find something larger in diameter for a larger hole. A plastic flower stem, and a tiny birthday candle are the things I can see around me right now. But any small smooth rod that you can start rolling around will do. I have just completed a 1.2 metre bead from large glued together bus posters. The result was great, and I used a mop handle to roll it around! ...

[TheFawns]

hahahaa nice! :) thank you very much, this is a great instructable, keep up the good work :D

[Sshebba]

Wonderful idea! I have some very thick holiday wrapping paper that is hard to work with, yet I loathed to throw it out as it is beautifully colored, so I saved it for a future arts and crafts project. This will be the perfect project for that darn paper! I think I will give the regular wrapping paper and my sparkling mylar/plastic wrapping paper a whirl while I'm at it. "Has anyone used either of these types of paper in lieu of magazine pages?" and if so, "What we're your results?" My only fear is that the varnish may melt the mylar/plastic wrap due to the chemicals it contains. Thought's anyone?

[Mzuribeads]

I am going to do some text glossing for my 1.2metre bead that I am displaying at an expo. I will let you know what worked best

[Mzuribeads]

I found an easy to use car varnish/gloss in a can from the auto shop. I have applied one coat, its fast drying(: but I think it may need a lot more coats because my bead is 1.2 metres in length!. I'm sure this would be an easy to use varnish for smaller beads mind. But aerosol is not good for the planet?

[ausetkmt]

I have some of your beads, which I received in a contest winning. they are stunning indeed. thanks for the tutotial, it is very nice.

[AKDoug]

Be sure to not skip the varnish step. I've had issues with reactions to magazine ink when it got wet. Very Itchy.

[lizardtraxs]

is there any kind of varnish you recommend?

[15zhangfra]

you can simply use regular elmers glue to go over. this gives it a water proof coating, a good shiny light, and it makes it harder to prevent them from being crushed

[mapson]

Sorry, but "regular elmers glue" is not waterproof!

[Mzuribeads]

Thank for that idea. I am actually attempting to roll a 1.4metre bead in the park tomorrow. I will now chose to coat it with PVA as opposed to varnish. Watch this space..... I will post my video and photos to let everyone see how get on!

[Mzuribeads]

in Uganda I can recommend a few, but I am guessing you are not located there? In the UK, I have tried a boating clear varnish, a wood varnish, and nail polish, all give good results. Most clear varnishes for any household use should be fine from our local hardware. Just note : If it is a water/thin varnish, you need to apply more coats. If it is a thick, wear a mouth cover, or do it outside. Hope this helps, let me know. Good luck and thanks for the comment.

[lizardtraxs]

thanks so much :D very helpful