If you have kids, then you know what it’s like after the holidays and birthdays; there is gift wrap strewn everywhere. More often than not, gift wrap that cannot be re-used because it’s been torn, and some cannot be recycled, depending on what it is made of. Here’s a simple solution for all of that paper - make paper beads.
I’m going to show you how simple it is to turn torn, folded, and non-recyclable gift wrap into pretty beads. You can store the beads you make in containers and use them for making necklaces, bracelets, friendship pins, or even as cocktail picks for parties.
Try another recycled craft: Paper Roll Owls or Paper Roll Bunnies
What You Need To Make Paper Beads
- Gift wrap
- Scissors
- School glue
- Dowel rod - or toothpick if you’ll be making party picks
- Ruler and pencil
- Mod Podge (optional)
There is no correct size for making these. Keep in mind that the wider the base of your triangle, the longer the bead will be.
Step 1:
Using a ruler and pencil draw a triangle on a piece of the gift wrap. Cut it out and use that as your template for other beads if you want them to be the same size. Alternatively, make a variety of templates in assorted sizes.
Cut out as many triangles as you can from the gift wrap.
Another fun craft: Recycled Stick Raft
Step 2:
Roll the paper around a dowel rod (or toothpick) starting with the widest edge. About an inch or two before you finish, add a little school glue, then finish winding the paper. Slide the paper bead off the dowel rod and set aside to dry.
Tip: Don’t wind the paper too tightly or you won’t be able to slide it off the dowel rod.
Step 3: (optional)
Apply a layer of Mod Podge over the bead if you want a shiny finish, or if you will be creating something that you don’t want to tear easily.
There you have it, a lovely collection of paper beads.
Let me know if you make paper beads, and how they turn out. Happy beading!
Tonya
Want more crafts? Check these out:
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