Introduction: How to Make a Potato Bead Bracelet
Potato bead bracelets are very simple and inexpensive to make.
Supplies:
Potatoes
Acrylic Paint
Elastic Beading Cord
Acrylic Sealer
Small knife
Bamboo Skewers
Cutting board
Paintbrush
Step 1: Making the Beads
Cut the potatoes into 8ths. Remove the peel and cut the sides at different angles to give the beads interesting shapes.
Step 2:
Put the beads on the bamboo skewers. Let them dry out. (it usually takes a few days to a week) When the beads are done drying they will be hard.
Step 3:
When the beads are done drying, take them off of the bamboo skewers and paint them. Another option is to leave the potato beads on the skewers and spray paint them. After the paint is dry, put the acrylic sealer on the beads.
Step 4:
Cut a piece of elastic beading cord long enough for a bracelet. String the beads on and tie the ends. If you get tired of potatoes, this also works with carrots. The black and white bracelet is made with carrots instead of potatoes.
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11 Discussions
6 years ago on Introduction
I you use a thin brush or a stamp with coordinating paint colors, you could glue abstract print /art to this and then seal it with a resin coating as well . Even adding some Mica powder to the paint would be another option. I don't know if this would work but they have some kind of silica sand like substance that is used for drying roses/ flowers it would probably dry out the potatoes even faster. Some craft stores and some flowers shops sell it. we did these when I was a kid years ago! you brought back memories! Great 'ible!
6 years ago on Introduction
Would baking at very low temperature work? Like 125 degrees same you would use to make apple chips?
7 years ago on Introduction
I will have to try this sometime! Thanks for sharing your hard work and do have a splendorous day!
sunshiine
8 years ago on Introduction
Have you ever tried using a food dehydrator to speed up drying time on the beads? Based on my experience drying sliced fruit and making onion "jerky", they'd probably take 10-15 hours at most to dry using this method... Using a dehydrator might also help if people in humid climates have trouble with the potato pieces getting moldy before they dry completely.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
I haven't ever used a food dehydrator, but it would be great if that works. Sometimes the potatoes take about a week to dry completely.
8 years ago on Introduction
That's so cool, I really want to make one!
8 years ago on Introduction
This is so interesting! I've been eyeing the potatoes in my kitchen all afternoon...
8 years ago on Introduction
Would it ever spoil? like get rotten? how long will it last?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
They don't rot. Some of them are a few years old and they still look new.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Thanks...will try it and see how it adapts to my very hot humid country :-)
8 years ago on Introduction
That's crazy! I never knew something like this would work, very cool idea.