Paper Beads (with pictures)

[eleny]

I went through a paper bead phase a while back. They're easy and inexpensive to make from any paper. Wallpaper, gift wrap & tissue, magazines, newspapers.

These were made from Asian "joss" paper that I got at a SE Asian market. The beads were coated with lacquer for shine. I coat all my paper beads with 3D Crystal Lacquer.


These four on the tag - the outer beads were from white gift tissue paper stamped with insect stamps in different colors. The inner two beads were made with wallpaper from wallpaper sample books I got free at the local paint store.


Here are some web pages with instructions for paper bead making.
http://www.stampersmall.com/classes/paper_beads.asp
http://www.tappi.org/paperu/art_class/paperBeads.htm
http://www.nanosite.com/confab/pz-ideas-pb.html

[Morgana LaFey]

1. I did that, once upon a time

many, many years ago. Kinda fun. You can get some amazing effects, too.

Very cool. Thanks. DOes the 3D Crystal Lacquer make them permanent/not prone to humidity or critters??

[eleny]

2. The Crystal Lacquer has kept them in good shape

I made my beads years ago and they feel the same as they did back then. But I live in an arid climate.

Btw, I made them by rolling them over paper craft straws. And I left them on the straws for extra strength. The straw lining may be helping them to stay strong and keep their shape, too.

[KarenS]

3. ohhhh these are lovely,,,,

Thankyou for the links.

It seems like folks that like making things with fabric like paper crafting too :)

[eleny]

4. Thanks!

Fabrics, yarn and paper - Oh yes!

[eridani]

5. Now those are cool!

Glad to hear that the lacquer works well as a preservative. I used some regular origami paper (same pattern in two colors) for both the microscope slide focal piece and the beads. Also Mylar tape and organza ribbons.



And the red side-

[eleny]

6. Lovely necklace!

The organza ribbon really keeps it lightweight, too. Where did you use the Mylar tape? Is it clear? I've never seen Mylar tape before so I had to ask. Now I have to google it.

[eridani]

7. It's the gold stuff holding the microscope slides together

A little tricky to handle, but I'm getting better with practice. The necklace weighs almost nothing--I'm finding this a really nice feature of working with paper.

Oh, and a couple of gold-plated feathers in the dangle.

[hippywife]

8. These are beautiful.

I've never done these before but the links are very helpful so I might give it a try.

[eleny]

9. It's a fun project for an evening

I roll the paper over paper craft straws using glue stick for the adhesive. After lacquering them, I cut the straw leaving enough length to jam it into floral foam until the beads dry. The next day I cut off the excess straw. I found that straws give the beads lots of strength.

I hope you post some pictures if you try this!

[Mrs Robeson]

10. I just love these...

eleny!!! I too have lots of paper and stamps and yarn. The tag with the beads and stamping are awesome.:hi: thanks for the links to learn how:yourock:

[eleny]

13. You're welcome and have fun! Btw....

The only thing I would caution against is using nail polish to paint and harden the beads. I tried it and liked the results. But the fumes were too strong for using indoors. I wanted to use up some of my wilder polish purchased on a whim. I'll use it again but only outdoors for the ventilation.

[Longhorn]

11. I did this as a project for my sixth-graders years ago when I taught

World Geography. I think it an art from one of the African countries. Anyway, we used cut up magazine strips and it was amazing to me how pretty those beads were, even without fancy paper. The straw is a good idea, too. If I recall, the students sometimes had trouble threading their beads because they wound the paper too tight.

Your beads are beautiful! I'm glad this thread came back up because I missed commenting the first time. :hi:

[eleny]

12. I remember reading articles online about paper beads from Africa

I think there's an import company run by two women here in Colorado that carries them.

Magazines have to create some gorgeous beads. The kids must have had a blast!

I'd like to make some from text prints in different scripts, too. There's so much free material for making beads. This craft gives us another reason to save some gift wrap. A little goes a long way. and you never know how they'll turn out. I thought my beads made from tissue stamped with bug stamps might look creepy. But I couldn't find any clear bug shapes when they were done. It's fun being surprised.