This craft was introduced to me by my friend’s daughter, but I have come to learn women have been crafting these “paper beads” for centuries to sustain themselves. It’s another great way to recycle too!
You’ll need:
• A magazine, catalog or junk mail flyer
• Scissors
• Skewer or the opposite end of a thin paint brush
• Ruler and pen
• Jewelry thread…the stretchy kind if you want to make bracelets or chokers
• Glue stick
• Clear nail polish
• Silver or gold beads
• Waxed paper (for work surface)
• Pendants and clasps are optional (see video for more info)
• Needle for threading is also optional…we found out we could thread the beads without a needle!
Rip out a sheet of your magazine or catalog and cut it in half. This should make it about 5”. With a pen and ruler, mark off ½” strips, then cut. Cut those strips diagonally to form long triangles. Lay strips on your waxed paper to prevent sticking while gluing. Using your glue stick, rub the pointed end of your paper a couple of times. Starting with the wide end, roll your triangular paper strip on a skewer or the opposite end of a thin paint brush. Pull off and set aside until all your strips are rolled. One piece of paper will make a long necklace! Paint your beads with clear nail polish and let dry. Thread your beads in any order coordinating with your silver or gold beads. If using a pendant, add it about half way through the beading. If using stretchy cord, simply tie it off 4 or 5 times when you get to the length you want, otherwise tie your beading string to your clasps.
These bracelets and necklaces really turned out cute and once you get the hang of it, it goes pretty fast!!! If you have any craft ideas, please email me at nancy@wdok.com
I always welcome your questions and comments...feel free to email me at nancy@wdok.com.
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This craft was introduced to me by my friend’s daughter, but I have come to learn women have been crafting these “paper beads” for centuries to sustain themselves. It’s another great way to recycle too! 
Rip
out a sheet of your magazine or catalog and cut it in half. This should make it about 5”. With a pen and ruler, mark off ½” strips, then cut. Cut those strips diagonally to form long triangles. Lay strips on your waxed paper to prevent sticking while gluing. Using your glue stick, rub the pointed end of your paper a couple of times. Starting with the wide end, roll your triangular paper strip on a skewer or the opposite end of a thin paint brush. Pull off and set aside until all your strips are rolled. One piece of paper will make a long necklace! Paint your beads with clear nail polish and let dry. Thread your beads in any order coordinating with your silver or gold beads. If using a pendant, add it about half way through the beading. If using stretchy cord, simply tie it off 4 or 5 times when you get to the length you want, otherwise tie your beading string to your clasps.
