Saw these pretty little things at a holiday bazaar last year and wondered just how hard they could possibly be to make. As it turns out–they are delightfully simple…
and just look how adorable they turn out. I swear, I’m going to end up with 20 different bracelets because there are just so many bead combinations that work. If I was really clever…I’d give these pretty things away to all my friends. Think about that for a second. I could make a serious dent in the Christmas gift budget…I could.
But they’re so pretty.
Still, I should be thoughtful…
kind…
generous.
Nawww….
Here’s how to make the beads yourself.
First, start with a paper ad or pages from a magazine. I’ve seen the beads made from comics but the glossies were more my style…and not as messy as newsprint.
Cut the paper into shard shaped strips–about 4-5 inches long.
Curl the wide end with a pair of scissors–to get the roll started.
Next, just start rolling the strips up–pulling gently on the smaller end to tighten the roll as you go.
When you are nearly at the end of the strip, dab Mod Podge on the last inch or so and finish rolling. Smear the Mod Podge all over the bead and set it on wax paper or a plate to dry.
Scoot them around a bit as they dry to keep them from sticking. Adding several coats of Mod Podge will smooth out the paper lines so that they look more subtle. The beads on the right have only one coat and the ones on the left have two.
String the beads onto Clear Stretch Cord, alternating with whatever glass or metal beads you’d like. Tie ends together with a square knot. Hide the knot by gently pulling it inside one of the beads. Guard your Mosiac Paper Bead bracelet from getting wet–after all–it’s still paper at heart!
And there you have it. Gorgeous Mosiac Paper Beads that whip up in no time and come together with endless color combination possibilities.
Maybe you’ll be brave enough to give them away…instead of hording them all.
Maybe not.
Heh.