When you think of paper and beads, you may classify this as a kids-only craft. In addition, paper is rather disposable or needs a “cover” to keep it protected. Let’s explore paper beads to break any misconceptions you have — from it not being plausible to childish. Paper beads can be fun for all ages!
Steps
1. Kids.
Paper beads are a great way to get kids started in crafting. Stringing them together can be a great dexterity exercise for little fingers. A couple colorful magazines with a few extra items can provide hours of fun creating unique beads. Start exploring paper beads by looking at it as a kids’ craft.
2. More.
Paper beads are not just for kids. I’m sure you saw a few sites that were a lot more than just a simple rolled magazine bead. Like many other crafts, attention to detail can take a simple project into a really interesting piece of art. Look at beads made by adults to see what can be achieved with creativity.
3. Techniques.
As you explore paper beads, be sure to save any tips or techniques you see that might push your paper bead beyond a single roll. This might be adding color or fiber to a paper bead. This might be changing the shapes of your basic templates. Anything that you find interesting can be used in the “Paper Bead Maker” badge program.
4. Share.
As you explore paper beads, think about how you might share your knowledge. You might want to share your paper beads, collect specialty papers to make unique beads, teach a group to make a few beads, share your own tips / techniques or even spend time making unique gifts from them.
Using Paper Beads
5. Garland.
Your garland might use beads as a spacer or colorful accent. It might even be the entire string is composed of paper beads. See how others have used beads as garland. Did they use one string or multiple? Were other elements added to the garland? Is this something you might like to try?
6. Curtains.
You can take many paper beads and make curtains or room dividers. This is taking your garland to the extreme! See what others have done to determine if this is a look you would like to duplicate.
7. Jewelry.
Paper beads can be incorporated into necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings and more. Explore how artists have used paper beads to make jewelry. Look at the sizes of the beads (length and thickness). See how they incorporate these unique beads with those they purchased to make a new design. Save any images you like that might inspire you to make your own paper bead jewelry.
8. Embellish.
Paper beads can be used to embellish scrapbooks and other paper crafts. They can be strung on ribbons or strings. Brainstorm places you can place paper beads as embellishments.
9. People.
A variety of sizes and shapes can be combinee to create unique “bead people.” By combining beads, you can use your bead person on a keyring or necklace. As you look at varying beads, think about making a person from them and how you would do it.
10. Ornament.
Ornaments are another way to utilize paper beads. They can be shaped either within a frame or on a shape itself. They can dangle or we can go back to garland and put it on a Christmas tree. See how paper beads are used as decorations.
11. Trade.
Swapping beads at an event can serve as a memory keeper. You can make the same bead multiple times as a way to identify yourself. You can also take it up a notch and incorporate them into SWAPs or small projects to share. See how others have used paper beads as a way to trade them.
12. Collect.
If you love your beads too much to part with them, start a collection of your favorites to show others. It may be small at first, but it will grow quickly.
Badge and Supplement Files
Member Level
- EP_Badge List_Paper Bead Explorer_larajla — list of badge items
- EP_Badge Set_Paper Bead Explorer_larajla — list of badge set and related badges
- EP_Supp_List_Paper Bead Explorer_larajla — list of supplements for the badge
- SUPP_BPG_Paper Bead Explorer_2in_12up_larajla — generic badge printable
- SUPP_Paper Bead Explorer_Journal_larajla — badge journal
- SUPP_Paper Bead Explorer_Planner_larajla — badge planner
Supplement Fun
- N/A
Sites to Explore
- www.thesprucecrafts.com/paper-bead-roundup-2904649
- www.ilovepaperbeads.com
- paperbeads.org/365-paper-bead-creations
- www.pinterest.com/genea1776/paper-bead/?lp=true
- www.pinterest.com/loriscinmb/paper-bead-ideas/?lp=true
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post
Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here