Paper Bead Bracelets

Today when we were tidying huge amounts of paper into the recycling bin when Rachel decided we should "make something".  I went through all the usual suspects of collages, models, paper chains, cards and fans but all were met with a distinct lack of enthusiasm.  

We have tried quilling before so I suggested that; Rachel could see my lack of preparation and skill but she accepted my last ditch offer.  Unfortunately she was right in her assumption that I'd not be able to pull it off, but every failure is an opportunity for learning.  As we rolled the strips of paper I realised that I couldn't make spirals, but with a bit of glue we could make beads.  

Bingo; paper beads.

If you'd like to have a go here's what we did:

1. Collect old paper and magazines and cut into strips about 1cm wide at the widest.  I did some rectangles and some triangles and some other random wiggly strips.


2. You can even use old artwork - Rachel loved the idea that some of her drawings could become beads.


3. Take one strip and roll up one end in a tight(ish) spiral.


4. Put a blob of glue on the last centimetre and stick it down; there you have a bead.


5. Once you have a pile just thread them onto elastic or string and knot tightly; one paper bead bracelet.



Recycling, art, fun and beauty all in one; not bad for a rainy and windy January morning.