Learn how to make paper beads with scraps of paper and Mod Podge! This is SO easy – even for kids – and you can use for bracelets and necklaces. Paper jewelry making is really fun!
Skills Required: None. Even if you’ve never crafted before, these are really easy to make. You’ll be cutting paper and using Mod Podge, along with basic jewelry making if you so choose.
I’m not sure what the challenges are in your life, but I hope one of them is what to do with your leftover scraps of craft paper. Because if that does happen to be one of your challenges, I have the perfect fashion craft for you – paper beads.
The process is easy to follow and you can have a new necklace, bracelet, or whatever other jewelry piece you like that uses beads in minutes. Not only can you use paper, but you can use junk mail, magazines, catalogs . . . the possibilities are endless.
This is one of those easy crafts for adults you’re going to get try and won’t want to stop. Honestly it’s also an easy craft for kids, boredom buster, or craft for teens to try as well. Trust me on this!
Tips for Making Paper Beads
Once you try this fun craft you’ll be hooked! Before we dive in, let’s answer a few frequently asked questions. If you’re new to this, you’ll want to read on. If you’re interested in the how-to, scroll down!
What is a paper bead?
It’s exactly what it sounds like – a bead made of paper! My first thought was, okay are these real beads? What happens if you want to make a bracelet or necklace?
I assure you, you’ll be surprised at how sturdy a paper bead is.
There’s a secret for making them even more sturdy, which I’ll share with you in the tutorial as you read on. I promise these are real beads, and they can be used for jewelry making, and they last!
How do you make easy paper beads?
The secret to these simple beads is not really a secret – you’re going to be rolling paper. I wish that it was more like KFC’s Original Recipe, but it’s not.
The process is simply to cut paper triangles (really long ones), roll them up, and seal with Mod Podge. It’s just that easy.
What paper can I use?
I’ve seen these made from scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, magazine pages, wallpaper, and more. You can even use fabric. I recommend avoiding really thin papers, like tissue paper. They just won’t be sturdy enough.
How do I cut the paper?
You can use scissors to cut your beads, but I recommend a craft knife and mat with a metal ruler. It’s just way easier to get straight cuts, in my opinion. It’s not *that* important that the edges are neat, but it does make the finished project look nicer.
How do you make paper beads shiny?
That, my friends, is where the magic happens. You’ll use Mod Podge to seal your beads. If you want to make them extra shiny, use Super Gloss Mod Podge or a high gloss spray sealer.
Gather These Supplies
- Paper scraps – I used scrapbook paper
- co*cktail straws or bamboo skewers – hello, Dollar Tree!
- Mod Podge Gloss
- Craft knife and mat
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Paintbrush
- Scotch Tape
Tips and Thoughts for This Project
The only choice you really have to make is if you’re going to use a co*cktail straw or a bamboo skewer to roll your beads. My perspective: the co*cktail straw gives the beads a bit more rigidity.
Having said that, you don’t always have straws on hand. In which case, you can use a bamboo skewer and just remove the bead before it dries.
Get the printable how to card for this project below:
Yield: 8 beads
Paper Beads
Learn how to make paper beads the easy way, with Mod Podge! Great for jewelry making.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time45 minutes
Dry Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 45 minutes
DifficultyEasy
Estimated Cost$1
Materials
- Paper scraps
- co*cktail straws or bamboo skewers
- Mod Podge Gloss
- Scotch tape (optional)
Tools
- Craft knife and mat
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Paintbrush
Instructions
- Measure a strip of paper approximately 3/4 inches wide and 12 inches long. Cut out with a craft knife or scissors.
- Measure halfway across the paper at one end and make a pencil mark.
- At the other end of the paper, place your ruler and measure from that end to the midpoint. Trim with a craft knife. Repeat on the other side. You'll notice you just cut out a very long triangle. One of the ends will be 3/4" wide, and the other end will be a tip. You'll start rolling from the wide end.
- Place a piece of tape at the long end of the triangle. Place a co*cktail straw on the tape.
- Add several dabs of craft glue down the length of the paper strip and start rolling your bead, from the long end toward the point.
- Once the bead is rolled, smooth with your fingers to make sure the end is secure. Let dry, then trim the ends of the co*cktail straw with scissors. Repeat until you have the desired amount of beads.
- Paint the beads with several coats of Mod Podge, allowing to dry between coats. Let dry completely before stringing.
Notes
These beads can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes. I found one large sheet of scrapbook paper made about eight beads. Experiment and have fun!
Would you try this beginner project? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out these other fun and simple craft ideas to make at home:
- Mod Podge Jewelry: 20 Project Ideas to DIY
- How to Make Stickers with Only Two Ingredients!
- DIY Bangle Bracelets Are SO Easy to Make
- Recycled Crafts for Kids to Encourage Reuse
- Mod Podge Paper Mache Bowls (So Easy!)
- These Backpack Charms Are Too Cool For School
- 50+ Crafts for Girls They’ll Love to Make
