How to make paper beads in five minutes

Today, making jewelry from paper has become a popular craft. The simplicity and creativity involved in making paper beads are one of the reasons behind their ever-growing popularity. Aside from being a great way to recycle junk mail or newspapers, paper beads are an attractive and inexpensive way to make one’s accessories. The popularity of this work of art has led to many wondering how to make paper beads.

Paper beads are fun and easy to make. Since the craft technique used in paper bead making is quite simple, it is a skill that both kids and adults can effortlessly master. And, yes, it is possible to make paper beads in five minutes as long as one has the necessary tools for the job. Fortunately, a person’s materials for this craft are accessible and affordable. This well-detailed guide aims to show the reader a step-by-step guide on how to make paper beads in only a few minutes.

What You’ll Need To Make Paper Beads

Crafting paper beads is easy, and anyone can get it right even on their first attempt. The best thing about making paper beads is using different kinds of paper. You can use junk mail, magazines, or catalogs to form paper beads. Although paper is the primary material one needs for the job, a few other materials are necessary for completion. Below are tools and materials that come in handy for a paper bead job.

Paper: all sorts of paper can work for paper beads. One may want to go with colorful paper like colored art paper, wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, or printed cardstock paper. Other options include Chiyogami paper or Japanese Washi paper.

Paint Brush: a soft paintbrush for applying glue.

PVA Glue: although there are many alternative types of glue for paper bead making, PVA undiluted glue works perfectly.

Craft Knife and Scissors: craft knives are good options because they reduce the number of cuts to make along each length. However, you can also use a pair of long scissors.

Ruler: this tool is essential for measuring and having accurate calculations.

Pencil: pencils assist the user with precise marking.

Cutting Mat: for placing your paper while you cut.

Cocktail Stick, BBQ Straws, Metal Skewer, Quilling Tool: for rolling your beads and holding them up as it dries.

Varnish: marine varnish is perfect for quick-drying and water-proofing the rolled beads. However, one can also try experimenting with gloss, satin, antique colored vanish, and matt.

The process of making paper beads in five minutes

The process itself is relatively straightforward. In a few simple steps, anyone can learn to make fine jewelry pieces ranging from bracelets to necklaces from paper.

Step One: you can use many types of paper, some will produce better results than others. For instance, using a piece that is too thin, one will need to roll longer strips to achieve a round-shaped bead. Also, using paper that is too thick, the beads will not have a perfectly round shape. Hence, it is recommended to use 200 gsm cardstock paper as this is neither thin nor thick.

Place the paper facedown on the work surface; the side of the paper you choose as the front of your bead should be facing down. If one is using a regular craft paper, double or triple the paper to achieve the thickness of the 200 gsm cardstock paper.

Step Two: now, it is time to use pencils. Make markings with divisions set 30mm apart on one short edge of the paper. On the other end of the paper, mark 15mm in from the edge and continue with divisions 30mm apart. This way, you should be able to form a triangle by connecting points A, B, and C on the paper.

Step Three: place the traced paper on the cutting mat. You can use scissors to cut, although the scissors should be long enough to allow lengthier cuts. Getting a straight cut with scissors may be hard for most people. Hence, consider using a craft knife to cut the strip out to get a neat cut.

Step Four: apply glue to the plain side of the paper. One should apply the glue carefully from the tip to the bottom. Do not leave any part without glue, and try not to get glue on the front of your paper.

Note: you can use the plain part of the paper as the front if you intend on making white beads. However, if you want colorful beads, then the plain side should face downwards.

Step Five: for this step, one can use cocktail strips, BBQ straws, a metal skewer, or a quilling tool. Take the wide end of the triangle strip and insert it slightly into the slot.

Step Six: start rolling the paper on the coiling tool. Continue onwards and ensure that the paper forms symmetrically, forming a bead-like shape. Keep a steady hand throughout this step to avoid losing alignment. If you do, quickly unroll to the part where the misalignment starts, apply some glue to the leftover tip and continue until the strip ends.

Note: as you roll, try to apply glue at intervals to help secure the work. Also, it gives the work a neater finish than using glue all over the finished piece.

Step Seven: after completing the coiling process, ensure that the end is securely glued down; you can tap it lightly with your finger. Then, using light pressure, roll the bead around your fingers to ensure it is cylindrical or round. If there is any glue residue on the bead, wipe lightly with a damp cloth.

Step Eight: carefully take the bead out of the coiling tool by pushing the coiled paper from the inner side. You should do this step quickly as delay may result in the bead gluing to the coiling tool. Transfer the bead to a cocktail stick and set aside to dry.

Step Nine: after making more, then apply varnish on each bead. Doing this will make the beads water-resistant and also give them some shine. It is better to use the varnish twice in light coats than once in a thick coat. This is because light coats will provide a more polished result. Also, rotate the beads occasionally on the cocktail stick when it is dry to the touch to prevent them from sticking when fully dry.

Paper Bead Making Tips For Beginners

Below are some takeaways and tips for beginners;

Ensure to trace, measure and cut out the triangle strip correctly because this will lay the foundation for the rest of the work.
Use paper that is not too thick and not too thin, like the 200 gsm cardstock paper. Do not use tissue paper.
Metal skewers and quilling tools offer more rigidity for coiling your beads. Only use BBQ straws when there are no other options.
Always start coiling from the wider end.
Apply glue while coiling rather than coating the bead with glue afterward.

Although paper bead making only became increasingly popular recently, it is a craft that has been practiced since the Victorian age. Paper bead making is an age-old practice that sharpens a person’s creativity and craftsmanship skills. Anyone, with a bit of practice, can easily acquire the paper bead-making skill. Hence, those looking to learn how to make paper beads in five minutes can start by implementing the steps in this guide.

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Head over to the Deals adept application
Wait for the menu on the left to load submenus
Select Arts, Crafts & Sewing
Choose submenu: Beading & Jewerly Making
Wait for items to load properly. If results are not suitable for you, than type in the search bar at the top – “Paper Beads” (include quotes). If you want a specific brand, type its name too.
And here we have it, excellent, isn’t it?

Turn Simple Strips of Paper into Beautiful Beaded Jewelry

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