Junk mail, newspapers, or magazines can be recycled by making paper beads.Paper beads are attractive and can be used in many projects.You can either make beads from pre-designed paper or use white paper and markers to make your own.
Step 1: You should cut your paper.
There are long triangles in magazines, coloured construction paper, and wallpaper.The bead's width will be the base of the triangle and the longer it is, the fatter it will become.The fat 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) beads were created from the fat 1-inch by 4-inch triangles.Cut accordingly.
Step 2: Put your glue in it.
Put a bit of glue on the end of the triangle.You can use a glue stick or liquid glue.
Step 3: Roll the bead.
Roll the triangle around with a bamboo skewer or toothpick at the wide end.For a symmetrical spiral, keep the triangle centered as you roll, and for a more free-form look, allow it to become slightly off-centered.If you want the beads to last, Roll tightly.It's a good idea to avoid having space between layers.
Step 4: Glue the tip of the triangle to the paper.
Apply more glue if the bead doesn't stay tightly rolled up.Help the glue to set by holding it for a moment.
Step 5: A varnish should be applied.
A solution of one part clear-drying glue to two parts water can be used.Make sure it doesn't stick to anything by letting it dry thoroughly.You could put a toothpick into a pincushion or piece of Styrofoam to allow it to dry completely.You can add multiple coats for a nicer finish.
Step 6: You should remove your bead.
Wait for your finish to set on the bead.The bead needs to be removed from the end of the dowel.It will hold if it is well wrapped.If the bead begins to fall, replace it on your skewer with more glue and finish where necessary.
Step 7: Make more beads.
You can use the directions to make as many beads as you want.It is possible to make several for jewelry pieces or create a long string for decoration in your home.
Step 8: Cut the paper.
Cut a piece of paper.The longer the triangle is, the fatter the bead will become.1/2-inch by 8-inch triangles would create fat 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) beads.Cut accordingly.
Step 9: You can create a design.
Use markers, pencils or pens to draw on the cut-out.Since the triangle will eventually be rolled onto itself, only the outermost edges and the last inch or two of the paper will be visible, which is where you should focus your design.As you go to see what looks best, play around with a few colors and design combinations.If you wanted to create a bead with a red center surrounded by orange and red stripes, you could color the tip of the triangle red and then use 1-inch strips of marker down the outside edges.The zebra-striped bead would be created if the tip of the triangle black, move down an inch, draw 1-inch black strips on either side, and repeat.If you plan to glaze your beads, do not use washable markers.
Step 10: Put your glue in it.
Attach a bit of glue to the end of the triangle.You can use a glue stick or liquid glue.
Step 11: Roll your bead.
Roll the triangle around itself using a cylinder.A bamboo skewer would work well.Roll tightly if you want the beads to last.It's a good idea to avoid having space between the layers.
Step 12: The bead needs to be finished.
Attach the tip of the triangle to the paper.Apply more glue if the bead does not stay tightly rolled up.
Step 13: A varnish is added.
Marvin Medium is a finish that can be used.Make sure it doesn't stick to anything when it's dry.Put your toothpick into a pincushion or piece of Styrofoam to prevent it from coming into contact with anything.
Step 14: The bead should be removed.
The bead should be removed when the finish has had time to dry.It will hold if it is well wrapped.
Step 15: You can create more beads.
You can only make a few beads for earrings or bracelets.You will need more for a necklace or larger project.
Step 16: Add some paint.
Paint can be used to create a decorative design along the outside of your beads.puff paint is a bubble-like paint which dries above the bead.
Step 17: Put on some glitter.
Use glitter glue or loose glitter on the paper to make your beads sparkle.It's a good idea to add glitter before your final coat of varnish to prevent it from rubbing off.Adding glitter in different colors creates a rainbow effect.
Step 18: Wrap the beads around the string.
Use string to create a pattern on the outside of the paper.Attach the string to the bead with glue and cut a small piece of colored thread.Add texture and color by using several pieces of string.
Step 19: A little wire can be used.
Attach the beads to the wire with colored florists wire.The wire should be run through the middle of the bead.
Step 20: You should give your beads a glaze.
You can coat your bead with a translucent nail polish or watered down paint.A semi-opaque layer of color is created by adding the glaze.You can also use watercolors.