NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH RE-CYCLED BEADS
One of my favorite things to do is up-cycle "trash" and re-purpose it to make new items...mostly jewelry pieces. You will find this on my blog a lot. My current project has been to make beads out of scrap paper. I like to use magazines, catalogs, wrapping paper, wall paper, scrapbook paper, newspaper, etc. You can even paint or color on plain paper to make unique designs of your own. Basically, if you can roll it, it can be a bead.
However, I have to tell you that making paper beads is tedious, so it's not for the feint of heart. It requires cutting and measuring your paper, rolling the bead and affixing it, so that the bead does not unroll. After it has dried completely, it needs to be glazed. I highly recommend two layers of glaze in order to add strength to the beads. You will be surprised at how durable the beads are and feel almost like glass. But, don't be afraid to try it! What can it hurt?
Paper beads are water resistant but not water proof. So, iIndividuality Beads Swirl Glass Bead (Google Affiliate Ad)Individuality Beads 24K Gold Over Silver Openwork Filigree Spacer Bead (Google Affiliate Ad)f you get caught in a light rain, not to worry. But, don't wear them in the shower.
Here are pictures of my latest creations.
Wishbone Salad Dressing Magazine Ad
Breast Cancer Awareness Magazine Advertisement
Dolce & Gabbana Bouquet Magazine Advertisement
Black & White Scrapbook Paper
Vera Bradley Catalog Pages
Kahlua Magazine Advertisement
Stoly Vodka Magazine Advertisement
More of my handmade up-cycled beads can be found at my Etsy store:
Don't be afraid to try to up-cycle the items in your own house and make new and different cool stuff!
