If you enjoy designing jewelry, or just need a new activity to share with your family, here is one really interesting and inexpensive thing to do. You probably already posses most of the materials needed for this interesting activity, and the results might be really impressive. Being creative is something that fills you with proud and joy, and it is also highly therapeutic.
To start with, almost all materials you can imagine can actually be used for making beautiful and creative jewelry. So, why not make some beautiful paper beads. It sounds strange, but these little things are extremely simple and easy to make, and they are highly attractive, inexpensive and funny. All types of wallpapers, napkins, paper bags and magazines can be used for this purpose.
Except for papers, you will need craft knife and scissors, glue, polish, wooden or metal sticks, cutting mat, ruler, pencil and something with straight edges to cut against. You can also use your knitting needles instead of special sticks, or even bamboo barbecue sticks, why not. And a few softer brushes for applying glue and varnish. And that's it.
The basic principle is to cut one long triangle and roll it around the stick. The base of the triangle will be the width of your finished bead, and the longer the triangle is, the thicker your bead will be. Experiment with different lengths first, to get the idea. Once you choose the proper shape, start with your work.
Apply glue only on the inner side of the triangle, on the whole length or only on a few places. Thickly roll the triangle on the stick. Always put more glue on the end, to make sure the bead will stay firm. The type of glue is also up to you. Some materials work best with different types of glue, and paper napkins can be glued with the mixture of flour and water only.
Once you learn this basic shape, you may start experimenting with different shapes and lengths. For example, it is interesting to use two triangles, just partly overlapping, and roll them together. Or to use different types of materials together, in different colors. In any case, once the bead is done, leave it to dry before applying chosen varnish on it.
Grocery bags made of brown recycled paper are just great for this purpose. The beads will appear wooden, and have sort of vintage look. Wallpapers are also really good for this. But, any other type of paper will do. You could also buy special Chinese papers designed especially for this purpose, called Washi or Chiyogami.
Finally, you could decorate not only finished beads, but also the paper used for making them. Use your imagination, colors, nail polishes, wool, fabric or whatever you want, to make really interesting beads to be proud of. When you paint on your basic material, you should apply color on the outer edges, because they will be actually visible in the end. This activity is, of course, really addictive, and all members of your family may join. Your children will also be quite enthusiastic about it.
To start with, almost all materials you can imagine can actually be used for making beautiful and creative jewelry. So, why not make some beautiful paper beads. It sounds strange, but these little things are extremely simple and easy to make, and they are highly attractive, inexpensive and funny. All types of wallpapers, napkins, paper bags and magazines can be used for this purpose.
Except for papers, you will need craft knife and scissors, glue, polish, wooden or metal sticks, cutting mat, ruler, pencil and something with straight edges to cut against. You can also use your knitting needles instead of special sticks, or even bamboo barbecue sticks, why not. And a few softer brushes for applying glue and varnish. And that's it.
The basic principle is to cut one long triangle and roll it around the stick. The base of the triangle will be the width of your finished bead, and the longer the triangle is, the thicker your bead will be. Experiment with different lengths first, to get the idea. Once you choose the proper shape, start with your work.
Apply glue only on the inner side of the triangle, on the whole length or only on a few places. Thickly roll the triangle on the stick. Always put more glue on the end, to make sure the bead will stay firm. The type of glue is also up to you. Some materials work best with different types of glue, and paper napkins can be glued with the mixture of flour and water only.
Once you learn this basic shape, you may start experimenting with different shapes and lengths. For example, it is interesting to use two triangles, just partly overlapping, and roll them together. Or to use different types of materials together, in different colors. In any case, once the bead is done, leave it to dry before applying chosen varnish on it.
Grocery bags made of brown recycled paper are just great for this purpose. The beads will appear wooden, and have sort of vintage look. Wallpapers are also really good for this. But, any other type of paper will do. You could also buy special Chinese papers designed especially for this purpose, called Washi or Chiyogami.
Finally, you could decorate not only finished beads, but also the paper used for making them. Use your imagination, colors, nail polishes, wool, fabric or whatever you want, to make really interesting beads to be proud of. When you paint on your basic material, you should apply color on the outer edges, because they will be actually visible in the end. This activity is, of course, really addictive, and all members of your family may join. Your children will also be quite enthusiastic about it.
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