Go Back Email Link
Making paper beads
Save Print
4.90 from 58 votes

Paper Beads

Learn how to make paper bead jewelry the easy way, with simple craft supplies.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time45 minutes
Dry Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 8 beads
Cost: $1

Equipment

Materials

  • Paper scraps
  • Cocktail straws or bamboo skewers
  • 1` bottle Mod Podge Gloss
  • Scotch tape optional

Instructions

  • Measure a strip of paper approximately 3/4 inches wide and 12 inches long. Cut out with a craft knife or scissors.
    Measure and cut scrapbook paper
  • Measure halfway across the paper at one end and make a pencil mark.
  • At the other end of the paper, place your ruler and measure from that end to the midpoint. Trim with a craft knife. Repeat on the other side. You'll notice you just cut out a very long triangle. One of the ends will be 3/4" wide, and the other end will be a tip. You'll start rolling from the wide end.
    Cut triangular strips of paper
  • Place a piece of tape at the long end of the triangle. Place a cocktail straw on the tape.
    A paper triangle with dabs of glue
  • Add several dabs of craft glue down the length of the paper strip and start rolling your bead, from the long end toward the point.
    Rolling the strips up using the coffee stirrer
  • Once the bead is rolled, smooth with your fingers to make sure the end is secure. Let dry, then trim the ends of the cocktail straw with scissors. Repeat until you have the desired amount of beads.
    Trim the straw on both ends
  • Paint the beads with several coats of Mod Podge, allowing to dry between coats. Let dry completely before stringing.
    Seal paper beads with Mod Podge

Video

Notes

These beads can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes. I found one large sheet of scrapbook paper made about eight beads. Experiment and have fun!