Last April, I wrote about Alisa Burke’s book Canvas Remix and how I became inspired from some of her various tutorials using canvas to make beads. I attempted to use canvas paper to instead make the beads because I was having a hard time finding sheets of rolled canvas. This worked out fairly well, although because the paper is so thin, I didn’t like how I couldn’t really get a round look to my beads. Lately, I keep seeing tutorials pop up for how to make paper beads. It’s essentially the same process as what I had done before, but this time, the beads actually look rolled and any sort of paper can be used. This includes things like magazines or scrapbook paper that have cool designs, colors, and patterns to make great beads.
The entire process is really simple. For your materials, you will need your paper of choice, white glue, something smooth to roll your beads on (for example, a dowel, paint brush handle, pencil, skewer, etc), and scissors. A spray on varnish can be used as well but isn’t necessary.
Cut your paper into an elongated triangle six to seven inches in length with a base of about two inches. This can vary depending on what size of beads you want. Put a line of glue going down the center of your triangle, but don’t have it go along the entire length or you won’t be able to wrap it around your smooth surface for rolling (so leave some space towards the base of your triangle). To make your bead, take the part of your triangle that has no glue on it and begin wrapping it around your smooth rolling surface until the entire triangle has been rolled. Carefully roll your bead off, and allow for it to dry. Continue until you’ve made all your beads!
Once they are all done and dry, I highly recommend using a spray or paint on varnish on them. This gives it a little extra gloss and a bit of protection.
Now get to stringing and wear your new creation! Contact me at fbreisbl@asu.edu for any questions or comments!