Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Paper Beads

I don't know if anyone remembers these, but I recently came across a craft I used to do all the time growing up.  Paper beads are quite simple to do, And really inexpensive!

Supplies
Paper (white printing paper is fine)
Permanent Markers
Ruler
Scissors
White School Glue
Chopsticks or Bamboo rods
Exacto Knife

1. On a sheet of printer paper (8.5"x 11") across the top edge using a ruler, mark the .5" increments (.5", 1.5", 2.5", 3.5", 4.5" etc) on the bottom the 1" increments (1", 2", 3", etc)


2. Draw from the bottom left corner of the paper to the top left dot.  It will be a slightly diagonal line.  Then from that same first dot on the left at the top, to the left most dot on the bottom.  Then from the bottom left most dot to the second dot from left at the top. Continue this pattern till you have a page of triangles.


3. Cut on the lines, you should get 18 identical triangles, and two that are not the same (those 2 you can toss, or save for a different shaped bead).


4. On the non-line side of the paper, color the paper.



5. Get a chop stick.  CAREFULLYsplit the end of the stick in 3rds using a blade or exacto knife.


6. Place the Wide part of the triangle in a portion of the stick, and start rolling it around, keeping the paper taught (but not too tight).  Watch and keep the rolling even.


7.  As you come near the end, put some glue on and continue to wrap.  As the glue smooches out when rolled, rub it over the rest of the bead to coat the outside (keeping all the bead sealed)


8. To pull the bead off, pinch the bead in place and rotate in the opposite direction (only loosening it from the stick, then pull off the end - being sure to keep the paper in it's place.

9. Let dry, then you can spray with a sealant if you so choose!