DIY Paper Beads

To make beads with different shapes, vary the size and shape of the paper triangles that you cut out. There are a number of different templates for making paper beads available on the internet. The following options are a guide but it is possible to add your own permutations:

To provide a neater finish to your beads and to show more of the paper pattern, simply cut the tip from the triangle as indicated in the diagram above. This will give a broader end to the last part of the roll. This is particularly effective if you are using patterned paper or paper with text, as it will show the detail of the pattern or lettering.

To provide a stronger, neater, flatter core to the finished paper bead add a rectangular area of paper to the long base of the triangle as shown in the diagram above. This doesn’t need to be more than 1.5cm long, and should simply allow for a few turns of the paper around the skewer or dowel. It also makes initial alignment of the paper easier. It has the added bonus of making the beads sit better against each other. On the downside, the initial stage of laying out the paper for cutting becomes more involved, but in the end it is worth the extra effort.

To monitor progress and to ensure ongoing symmetry it is worthwhile adding some parallel pencilled lines to the back of the paper at the marking up stage.

If you get bored with making straight edged beads invest in a guillotine or a pair of craft scissors with a decorative cutting edge – there are lots of patterns to choose from.

Once you have a set of paper beads experiment with finishes and embellishments to add extra interest – be it gilding, wire wrapping, adding fancy papers, using specialist glazes, or simply painting them with acrylics, the options are endless.

Coloured drawing papers offer a wide choice of shades and surface textures for paper beads. Papers sold for pastels, charcoal and pencil work vary in thickness and flexibility, so roll a small sample before cutting a full sheet. A textured paper such as Fabriano Tiziano is one option to experiment with. Compare the price per sheet and the way the paper rolls; art paper is not always cheaper than wrapping paper.

Coloured copy paper is useful for solid-colour beads and printed cutting templates. Check that the paper is suitable for your printer, then print at 100% / Actual Size and measure the template’s scale line before cutting. If you want to repeat a design, note the brand, colour and paper weight, and keep enough from the same pack; colours and availability can change.

Specialist papers such as Japanese Chiyogami, Italian Fiorentine and marbled papers can add detailed patterns to focal beads or embellishments. Look for them through fine-paper and bookbinding suppliers, and try sample sheets or small packs when available. Test how each paper rolls and how its colours respond to your adhesive and sealer before making a full batch.

These largely unwanted additions to newspapers and letters can be used in much the same way as magazines. A better end for them than the trash bin!

This is a great way to recycle old magazines and the resulting colour combinations achievable are endless. When selecting pages remember it is the edges of the strips that will be visible on the finished bead as well as the end of the roll. Unless you are using paper from the large format magazine, typically fashion related titles, it may be worthwhile opening the staples on the magazine and using a double page spread.

Newspaper is worth trying for lightweight rolled beads, and a wide sheet lets you cut longer strips. Do not assume the ink is colourfast: it may transfer to your hands or react with glue and sealer. Test a small offcut with the products you intend to use, let it dry fully and check for smudging or colour changes before making a batch. Handle thin strips gently and use a light application of adhesive.

Whether plain or printed this paper makes for really good beads. Plain brown paper makes for a wood-like appearance when varnished, which can be enhanced by selecting antique effect varnishes. Printed brown paper bags tend to have pleasant earthy tones, which again give a vintage feel to your upcycled paper bead jewellery.

Like the plain brown paper bags this paper gives a lovely wood-like finish once varnished and is a nice weight to work with. Plus there are now more colour options available than previously. Another opportunity to practice upcycle crafting and making beads from recycled paper.

Wrapping paper offers a wide choice of colours and patterns, including saved scraps from gifts. Thickness, coatings and printing vary, so price alone does not tell you how well a sheet will work. Test a strip for tearing, ink transfer and its ability to hold a neat roll. Very stiff or heavily coated paper may be harder to shape and glue.