Making beads out of paper is very easy to do, and you probably already have all the necessary supplies lying around at home. This a fun idea for an afternoon full of crafting with the kids. But ofcourse, you’ll also be able to make really nice beads that you can use for you own jewellery designs, perhaps in combination with other kinds of beads and materials.
What do you need to make paper beads?
Amongst other things, you could use torn out pages from magazines, wrapping paper or (samples of) wallpaper to make your beads. Additionally, you’ll need skewers or a knitting needle, scissors and glue. Pritt stick is fine to work with when using thin paper. However, if you’re using thicker material like wallpaper, you’ll need to use a more powerful glue. If you like, you could also set out some transparent nail-polish to give the beads a shiny topcoat.
Making different shapes of paper beads
Cut the paper into strips and wrap these around the knitting-needle. Glue the endings together and let it set to dry. After a little while you can give them a topcoat so the beads become more resistant to scratching and other types of damaging, which will help them stay nice and clean-looking. Using a strip of paper that end in a peak (triangle shape) is the easiest method, but you can try out different shapes to make a variety of beads.
Video tutorial – Making beads out of paper
In this video tutorial below Potomac Bead Company shows you how simple it is to make your own beads.
Examples or jewellery designs with paper beads
You might have the impression that it is pretty difficult to actually make beautiful beads out of paper, let alone incorporating these into fine jewelleries. Fear not, for we have found these lovely exemplars on Etsy that are sure to boost your inspiration
These beads are great to use for bohemian style designs, but use brightly coloured paper strips with patterns instead and you can make Ibiza-themed bracelets! The great thing about this technique is that you can give it your own personal twist. Furthermore, every bead looks unique!
These pastel-coloured bracelets are made by JD Crafts Unlimited
This necklace is made by Fantasiasy Papel
This multi-layered necklace was made by Banbury Court
These purple earrings are made by Art n Soul Jewels
This Bohemian style bracelet using memory wire was made by Joanne Jeanne
This beautiful necklace made out of paper beads and ribbons was made by Alyx Andrea Design
This brightly coloured and fair trade necklace was made by Faces of Ghana
These long earrings are made by Still Rain
This black and white statement necklace was made by Paper Melon
This gorgeous blue necklace was made by Rock Paper Jewelry
This bracelet with big paper beads and a tassel was made by Tulips and Sparrows
This purple necklace was made by Hannahs Hankerings
These mint green earrings were made by Earth Child Art
This bracelet with paper beads was made by Tanith
What do you think?
Have you ever made beads out of paper? I’m pretty sure my last time was in primary school, but looking at all these beautiful designs I feel the urge to give it another try soon.
Would you incorporate this kind of beads in your jewellery designs? Please tell us in the comments, we are curious to know.
