How to Make Paper Beads

Co-authored by Amy Guerrero

Last Updated: April 22, 2024 Approved

Making paper beads is a great way to recycle junk mail, newspapers, or magazines. Paper beads are additionally inexpensive, attractive, and can be used in a multitude of projects. To either make beads from pre-designed paper or to design your own using white paper and markers, simply follow these instructions.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making Beads with Patterned Paper

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1
Cut your paper. Cut long triangles out of magazines, coloured construction paper, wallpaper, etc. The base of the triangle will be the width of the bead and the longer the triangle is, the fatter the bead will become. The slender 1-inch (2.5cm) beads used in this method are made from 1-inch by 4-inch (2.5cm x 10cm) triangles, but 1/2-inch by 8-inch (1.27cm x 20cm) triangles would create fat 1/2-inch (1.27cm) beads. Cut accordingly..
- Always have a guide or a ruler whenever you want to cut a straight line.
Turn the triangle design-side down and apply a bit of glue to the pointy end. A glue stick or a tiny bit of liquid glue will do.

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3
Roll the bead. Starting at the wide end, roll the triangle around itself using a dowel, toothpick, or bamboo skewer. For a symmetrical spiral, keep the triangle centered as you roll; for a more free-form look, allow the triangle to become slightly off-centered.
- Roll tightly, especially if you want the beads to last. Try to avoid having space between the layers.
If the bead doesn’t stay tightly rolled up, apply another dab of glue. Hold it for a moment to help the glue to set.
Use a finish like Marvin Medium, ModPodge, Diamond Glaze, or a solution of one part clear-drying glue to two parts water. Let it dry thoroughly, making sure it doesn’t stick to anything. You might shove a toothpick into a pincushion or a piece of Styrofoam to allow it to dry completely. Add multiple coats for a glossier, longer-lasting finish.
Wait several hours until your clear finish has set on the bead. Slide the bead off the end of the dowel. If it is well wrapped and glued, it will hold. If the bead begins to unravel, replace it on your skewer and add more glue and finish where necessary.
Use the aforementioned directions to create as many beads as you would like to finish your project. Make several for jewelry pieces, or create a long string to use for decoration in your home.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making Beads with Your Own Designs

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Cut long triangles from a piece of white printing paper. The base of the triangle will be the width of the bead and the longer the triangle is, the fatter the bead will become. 1-inch by 4-inch (2.5cm x 10cm) triangles will make slender 1-inch (2.5cm) beads, whereas 1/2-inch by 8-inch (1.27cm x 20cm) triangles would create fat 1/2-inch (1.27cm) beads. Cut accordingly.
2
Create your design. Draw on each cut-out with markers, pencils, or pens. Since the triangle will eventually be rolled onto itself, only the outermost edges and the last inch or two of the tip of the paper will be visible; these are the areas where you should focus your design. Play around with a few colors and design combinations as you go to see what looks best.
- Color the tip of the triangle red and then alternate 1-inch (2.5cm) strips of orange and red marker down the outside edges; this would create a bead with a red center surrounded by orange and red stripes.
- Color the tip of the triangle black, move down an inch, draw 1-inch (2.5cm) black strips on either outside edge, move down an inch, and repeat; this would create a zebra-striped bead with a black center.
- Do not use washable markers, especially if you plan to glaze your beads; the colors will run.
Turn each triangle design-side down and apply a bit of glue to the pointy end. A glue stick or a tiny bit of liquid glue will do.
Starting at the wide end, roll the triangle around itself using a dowel or other slender cylinder. A rounded toothpick or bamboo skewer would work nicely as well. Keep the triangle centered as you roll, otherwise, your designs won’t display correctly.Roll tightly, especially if you want the beads to last. Try to avoid having space between the layers.
Glue the tip of the triangle to the rolled paper. If the bead doesn’t stay tightly rolled up, apply another dab of glue.
Use a finish like Marvin Medium, ModPodge, or Diamond Glaze. Let it dry thoroughly, making sure it doesn't stick to anything. Try putting your toothpick into a pincushion or a piece of Styrofoam to keep it from coming into contact with anything.
When the finish has had time to dry completely, slide the bead off the end of the dowel. If it is well wrapped and glued, it will hold.
For earrings or a bracelet, you might make only a few beads. For a necklace or other larger project, you'll need more.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Decorating Your Beads

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Before you add your varnish, use paint to create an additional decorative design along the outside of your beads. For extra texture, use puff paint which dries in a bubble-like form above the surface of the bead.
To make your beads sparkly, use glitter glue or loose glitter over the surface of the paper. Add the glitter before your final coat of varnish to keep it from rubbing off as a result of wear and tear. Try adding several coats of glitter in different colors for a lovely rainbow effect.
Don't thread the beads on string; use string to create a decorative pattern along the outside of the paper. Cut a small piece of colored thread and use glue to wrap the exterior of the bead with the string. Use several pieces of string for added color and texture.
Use colored florists wire to thread the beads and create pretty spiral or geometric patterns around the outside. Run the wire through the middle of the bead, and then bend it to shape around the bead.
Use a translucent nail polish or watered down paint to coat your bead in an additional color. Adding the glaze will create a light, semi-opaque layer of color over the paper. You can also use watercolor paints for this.

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Question

When the bead is finished, does it turn hard or is it soft?

Community Answer

They are somewhat delicate usually but the end effect depends on how much glaze or glue you put on them when completed. Be careful with them and they should be fine.

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Can I use paper beads to decorate a dress, or it will it ruin after washing?

Paula Binder

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Don't decorate the dress, but you can certainly make an amazing necklace, earrings, a ring and bracelet to set off your dress.

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Can I use fabric to get the same effect?

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If you put plenty of varnish on the outside, and use FABRIC glue, fabric should work. The beads will be more flexible, and may work better on a string necklace/bracelet than on wire.

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Tips

Magazines work great as a training paper. It's easy to roll, it helps the environment, and it looks great! You don't have to worry about design. You can focus on technique. Plus you don't waste printer paper.

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Avoid using thick paper or construction paper for the triangles. Thinner paper will roll more easily.

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If you want smaller beads, you can cut thin strips instead. Just be careful that they’re not too thin.

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Warnings

Even if they are coated with plenty of glue or paint, these beads are paper, so don't get them wet.

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Use appropriate caution with scissors, glue, and craft knives.

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Things You'll Need

Either colorful paper or plain white paper and permanent markers
Scissors or craft knife
Glue or glue stick
A thin dowel about 1/8 inch (3mm) in diameter; a thicker or thinner rod will vary the effect
Hairbrush (optional)