Recycled Paper Beads

I rescued some paper from the recycle bin.

I printed a colorful pattern on the unprinted side (though using the printed side is pretty cool as there are random words on the finished beads...fun stuff).

I measured how long I want my beads and marked accordingly.

I lined up my marks at the wide part of the triangle and cut with a rotary cutter.

I now have a stack of bead papers.

I roll the beads on a cotter pin. I like to cover the round end of the cotter pin with cloth tape to protect my hand (I tend to grip it too hard!). I use a UHU glue stick to glue the bead together.

And voila! Recycled Paper Beads!

Coating them with a water-based varnish will make them much more durable.

I prefer Triple Thick, but Modge Podge works well too. Modge Podge matte is a nice change from glossy beads.

Other papers that work really well:

Scrapbook paper

Magazine pages

Nature or wildlife calendars

Colorful catalogs

Please note that this is my favored technique...but there are many others out there, for example:

www.mzuribeads.com

http://www.beadjewelryblog.com/how-to-make-paper-bead-necklaces/

http://www.paperbeadcrafts.com/

http://www.thebeadsite.com/CHI-HOM.html

Enjoy!!!