How to Make Paper Beads

Make beads using pre-colored paper

1. 1
   Cut long triangles out of magazines, colored construction paper, wallpaper, etc. Choose colors that you like. The base of the triangle will be the width of the bead and the longer the triangle is, the fatter the bead will become. The slender 1-inch (2.5cm) beads used in this method are made from 1-inch by 4-inch (2.5cm x 10cm) triangles, but 1/2-inch by 8-inch (1.27cm x 20cm) triangles would create fat 1/2-inch (1.27cm) beads. Cut accordingly.
   
   
   
   • If you want the beads to be uniform, be sure to cut them all the same size.
2. 2
   Turn a triangle design-side down and apply a bit of glue to the pointy end. A glue stick or a tiny bit of liquid glue will do.
   
   
   
3. 3
   Starting at the wide end, roll the triangle around itself using a dowel or other slender cylinder. A rounded toothpick or bamboo skewer would work nicely. For a symmetrical spiral, keep the triangle centered as you roll; for a more free-form look, allow the triangle to become slightly off-centered.
   
   
   
   • Roll tightly, especially if you want the beads to last. Try to avoid having space between the layers.
4. 4
   Glue the tip of the triangle to the rolled paper. If the bead doesn’t stay tightly rolled up, apply another dab of glue.
   
   
   
5. 5
   Recommended: Extend the life of each bead by glazing it. Use a finish like Marvin Medium, ModPodge, Diamond Glaze, or a solution of one part clear-drying glue to two or three parts water. Let it dry thoroughly, making sure it doesn’t stick to anything. (For example, you might shove a toothpick into a pincushion, or a piece of Styrofoam, or remove the bead and hang it to dry on a piece of string.)
   
   
   
6. 6
   Slide the bead off the end of the dowel. If it is well wrapped and glued, it will hold.
   
   
   
7. 7
   Repeat Steps 2 through 6 to make as many beads as you want. For earrings or a bracelet, you might make only a few beads. For a necklace or other larger project, you'll need more.
   
   
   

Make beads with your own designs

1. 1
   Cut long triangles from a piece of white printing paper. The base of the triangle will be the width of the bead and the longer the triangle is, the fatter the bead will become. 1-inch by 4-inch (2.5cm x 10cm) triangles will make slender 1-inch (2.5cm) beads, whereas 1/2-inch by 8-inch (1.27cm x 20cm) triangles would create fat 1/2-inch (1.27cm) beads. Cut accordingly.
   
   
   
   • If you want the beads to be uniform, be sure to cut them all the same size.
2. 2
   Draw on a triangle with permanent markers. Since the triangle will eventually be rolled onto itself, only the outermost edges and the last inch or two of the tip of the paper will be visible; these are the areas where you should focus your design. Play around with a few color and design combinations as you go, to see what looks best. For example:
   
   
   
   • Color the tip of the triangle red and then alternate 1-inch (2.5cm) strips of orange and red marker down the outside edges; this would create a bead with a red center surrounded by orange and red stripes.
   • Color the tip of the triangle black, move down an inch, draw 1-inch (2.5cm) black strips on either outside edge, move down an inch, and repeat; this would create a zebra-striped bead with a black center.
   • Do not use washable markers, especially if you plan to glaze your beads; the colors will run.
3. 3
   Turn a triangle design-side down and apply a bit of glue to the pointy end. A glue stick or a tiny bit of liquid glue will do.
   
   
   
4. 4
   Starting at the wide end, roll the triangle around itself using a dowel or other slender cylinder. A rounded toothpick or bamboo skewer would work nicely. Keep the triangle centered as you roll; otherwise, your designs won’t display correctly.
   
   
   
   • Roll tightly, especially if you want the beads to last. Try to avoid having space between the layers.
5. 5
   Glue the tip of the triangle to the rolled paper. If the bead doesn’t stay tightly rolled up, apply another dab of glue.
   
   
   
6. 6
   Recommended: Extend the life of each bead by glazing it. Use a finish like Marvin Medium, ModPodge, or Diamond Glaze. Let it dry thoroughly, making sure it doesn’t stick to anything. (For example, you might shove a toothpick into a pincushion, or a piece of Styrofoam, or remove the bead and hang it to dry on a piece of string.)
   
   
   
7. 7
   Slide the bead off the end of the dowel. If it is well wrapped and glued, it will hold.
   
   
   
8. 8
   Repeat Steps 2 through 6 to make as many beads as you want. For earrings or a bracelet, you might make only a few beads. For a necklace or other larger project, you'll need more.