How to Make Easy Paper Beads - Part 1

Have you ever looked at scrapbook paper and thought to yourself, "That's so pretty, but scrapbooking isn't my thing."  That thought used to go through my mind all the time, until I decided to shred it and make paper beads.  

One day I saw a piece of printed paper and imagined making paper beads out of it!  Now I see scrapbook paper in the stores and don't feel intimidated.  This post will show you just how easy it is to make your own paper beads.  Great project for children as well, but I suggest that adults handle the cutting and the finishing.  

Supplies we need:  

Thick printed paper
Paper cutter
All purpose craft glue
A thin stick of some sort to roll the beads (I used a thin paintbrush)
PolyAcrylic or Krylon Triple Thick Crystal Clear

Once we have the supplies assembled, we can start cutting the paper into strips.  Strips can be any size you want, the wider the strip, the wider the bead!

Your workspace will probably look like this.

 Select a strip of paper, and slowly start wrapping it around the end of your paintbrush.

This looks loose because I had to use one hand for the camera!  You'll pull the paper tight around the paintbrush, and leave a little tail hanging down for the glue.  

This is where you'll apply the all purpose craft glue.  You won't need much, if you over do it, the glue will leave residue on the outside of the bead.  Apply the glue to the tail and continue wrapping it to complete the bead.  At this point you will gently remove the bead from the paintbrush and lay it down to dry.  

This is the first part of paper bead making.  I suggest making quite a few beads at one time using this process.  You will find that you get on a roll and can get this part done rather quickly. My next post will go over finishing with PolyAcrylic or Krylon.  Stay tuned!