June 24, 2009 06:01 pm
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By Laura Dimmit
news@joplinglobe.com
Creating paper beads is a craft activity that is suitable for all ages. It also happens to be a very eco-friendly project.
Old newspapers, magazines or discarded wrapping paper can be rescued from the trash and transformed into something new.
Jill Boswell, a staff member at the Joplin Public Library, said that paper beads can be used for anything a normal bead could be used for. Her suggestions include jewelry, decorations on gift tags, and for the ambitious, an entire beaded curtain.
She held a class in making paper beads this week at the library and shared the technique she uses to make them.
What you’ll need
Paper
Scissors
Elmer’s glue
Pencil
Clear nail polish or clear-drying glue (optional)
Instructions
• Step 1: Cut paper into 12-inch long, 1-inch wide strips.
• Step 2: Trim one end of each strip so that you are left with a long tapered triangle.
• Step 3: Starting with the wide end of the triangle, wrap the strip around the pencil.
• Step 4: Once the paper has been wrapped around once, you can start dabbing some glue on the triangle as you wrap, to help it stay wrapped tightly.
• Step 5: When you are finished wrapping, dab glue on the point on the triangle to seal the bead. Hold until the glue is dry.
• Step 6: Paint the bead with clear nail polish or glue to make it more durable.
Repeat for each bead. To vary the diameter of the beads, change the diameter of your wrapping object. Other options include a knitting needle or a marker.
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Photos
Globe/B.W.Shepherd: You can vary the diameter of the wrapping object to make different sizes of paper beads.