First mark the edge of your paper – then mark the opposite edge. Use the width that you would like your beads. Mine are 1/2 inch.
Next up is the rolling part. Basically you cut the strip along the diagonal, then place a line of glue all the way down and roll from the wide side to the skinny side. I thought the best way to show you this step was a short video:
This next step is optional, and you probably don’t need it if you’re using a magazine page, but I wanted my beads to be glossy and seal in the paper, so I stuck them on a toothpick and painted a quick coat of clear glaze on the outside.
My helper, setting them all out to dry:
Once they’re dry, it’s time to assemble the bracelet. I went with a 2 strand bracelet; simply tie the string on to the clasp and slide the beads on however you’d like them, then tie it to the other part of the clasp when it’s the correct size.
Wrist Selfie:
Love that it pulls all the colors from the paper but isn’t too crazy:
And here are some other images – I couldn’t decide if a dark background or a light one was better, so I gave ya both to ponder:
Enjoy making rolled paper beads – I know I do! It’s one of those simple crafts that is just fun to do.
Kassi Mortensen says
They look so pretty and professional! Hard to tell they’re made from paper!
Kim Conner says
This is simply stunning Mandy! What a great project.
Leah Wright says
Cute idea! And your voice sounds nothing like I imagined 🙂
Mandy Beyeler says
Ha Leah! well, if it sounds weird, I blame it on the video being made at 11pm last night….
Mollie says
These are gorgeous, Mandy! Do you have any pointers for keeping your beads so centered and uniform? I know practice will help but for now mine keep “inclining” towards one side or the other. When you do your initial roll around the toothpick, is the paper rolled perfectly straight across or at an angle? It happens too fast in the video for me to tell for certain. Thanks for such a great tutorial!
Mandy Beyeler says
I’m thinking the large edge is at an angle becuase of the way I cut the strips, so when I roll it around the toothpick, it’s angled a little, I think! And yep, it’s just practicing – you’ll get it!
Leah Wright says
Hey, fit in the projects wherever you can! I’ll be unpacking Paparazzi bling until 11pm tomorrow night, so tonight is all about vinyl… until 11pm
Nancy Bandzuch says
I love this, really Mandy. Gotta make some of those beads!
Shannah @ Just Us Four says
These are so cute! I have never made rolled paper beads but it looks fun.
Renee says
Love this! Kara & friends will be making this project soon!
Kim says
Mandy made these all the time growing up, and had her babysitting kids make them whenever she babysat.
Kathy says
How pretty. Shouts Spring.
OneKriegerChick says
Love it…Looks nothing like paper!
Natalie Patalie says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Natalie Patalie says
These are beautiful! I’ll have to try this out soon 🙂 I followed you on Bloglovin’!
Ana Lopes says
Amazing work and tutorial, Mandy! I love this!!! Thanks for sharing this!
Hope you have a wonderful day and week!
Hugs from Portugal,
Ana Love Craft
http://www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com
Claudia Dragosits says
oh oh …. I definitely have to do this too …. thats super
I don’t have fancy paper at home … but maybe I can make this out of an old magazin??
I will try.
THANKS
claudaux
Wen from What's Mummy Up To says
These are amazing … we have 2 weeks of school holidays coming up, and I think my daughter would love to have a go at making these!!
Linda Kilsdonk says
These paper beads are absolutely adorable! Thanks for sharing how to do it — I am certainly going to give it a try! Linda @ http://www.paperseedlings.com
Kelsey Jones says
This is awesome! I have always wondered how to make this. This would be a good Mother’s Day gift.
Cookin' Cowgirl says
Cool! I would have never thought to do something like that. 🙂 Pinned!
Rita says
Great tutorial! These are so lovely. I love paper beads. I like them so much that I have purchased several pieces made with paper beads. My only question is what kind of glaze are you using?
Mandy Beyeler says
Hi Rita! I just used clear Mod Podge, high gloss.
Megan Fiterature says
I love these – I went to Fiji one summer and bought a ton from the local women. I wear them all the time!