DIY Paper Bead Jewelry

Recently, I was inspired by THIS DIY over at madmim.com, on how to make paper bead Anthropology earrings for cheap. I loved how chic the earrings looked; they didn't look like a child's craft. So I started to make my own bracelet to practice my paper bead making skills. 

To make your paper beads, all you need are:

- paper strips of any kind (cut long, skinny triangles. the wider the base, the longer the bead will be. the longer the length of the triangle, the fatter the bead will be)

-toothpicks or chopsticks (this will decide how big the hole in the bead will be)

-scissors (to cut the paper strips)

-glue stick

-mod podge

1. Cut out your triangle paper strips to desired width and length. You can use magazine paper, newspaper, scrapbook paper, or origami paper. Test them out, and discover the differences each type of paper makes on your bead making.

2. Roll a paper strip with a toothpick or chopstick, starting at the base of the triangle.

3. Once you get to the tip of the triangle you're rolling, add little stick glue to the tip, then finish rolling. This will keep the bead together.

4. Now use a paintbrush to coat the bead with mod podge, sealing the bead and hardening it.

5. Let dry. Now string them onto yarn or wire, and accompany with other beads if desired.

 Hopefully more paper bead jewelry projects to come!