Introduction: Durable Handmade Paper Beads
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http://rhondachase.blogspot.com
Step 1: What You Need
Paper
Scissors
Skewer or other round form to make the bead holes
Glue (this is just for tacking the paper, so use what you have - a glue stick is fine)
Metal ruler, xacto knife, pencil are all optional
Pledge or Future acrylic floor polish
Heat gun - optional
Toothpicks
Small paintbrush
A piece of old packing styrofoam
You can use any kind of paper. It's particularly fun to save old wrapping paper, paper bags from a trip or other papers that remind you of a special time. That being said, I often use old newspaper, magazines and catalogs.
Step 2: Cut Paper Strips
The shape of the paper strip determines the shape of the final bead. Straight strips make cylinders. Angled cuts make diamonds and ovals. Experiment with different cuts to see what you like.
The length of the strip determines the thickness of the final bead. The longer the strip, the thicker the bead.
To start, cut strips at least 1 foot long and 1/2 inch wide. Use either scissors or an xacto knife and straight edge. Roll one and see how it looks. Measurements are different for different papers.
When you have the right size, cut the rest.
1 strip = 1 bead
Step 3: Roll the Strips
I love this part. It's when the paper becomes a bead and you first see the patterns the papers make.
Roll the strips of paper onto a bamboo or metal skewer and fix the end with a dab of glue stick glue. You may need to hold for a few seconds until the glue sets.
Don't roll too tight or you won't be able to remove the bead.
When the glue is set, gently remove the bead. Reshape if necessary.
(Skewers work fine, but if you're going to make a lot of beads, you can get a rolling tool. They're inexpensive and make the rolling much faster.)
Step 4: Stabilize the Beads
Brush each bead with the floor polish and set on a toothpick to dry. Wait for the polish to dry completely and add a second coat. Repeat until you have 4 or more coats and are happy with the finish. I like to brush the inside with one thin coat if possible to add water resistance.
Heat will speed up the drying times. I use a heat gun, but only dry one bead at a time and I make sure not to overheat the paper.
Step 5: Use the Beads
Use these beads like you would any other beads. Here are a few notes on these handmade paper beads:
They make great earrings because they're so light.
Some papers may change color with age, but will still be strong.
They generally have fairly large holes, so you can experiment with thick cord, ribbon, etc.
If you want to learn simple bead stringing see my beaded bracelet instructable.
Have fun!!
Step 6: More Ideas
Try adding:
paint
recycled glass
wood beads
rubber cord
glitter
resin
inks & dyes
etc.!