Beginner Guide to Making Paper Beads

Summary

Kathy Fillion leads a fun and creative tutorial on making paper beads using Mod Podge. She demonstrates how to craft various bead shapes from different types of paper, including scrapbook paper, junk mail, and catalogs. After cutting and rolling the paper around a toothpick, Kathy shows how to seal and finish the beads with Mod Podge for a glossy or glittery look. She shares tips for adding texture with specialty scissors or tearing the paper and offers guidance on stringing the beads into jewelry. Kathy also invites viewers to join a live Mod Podge happy hour on Instagram and participate in a contest to win prizes.

Takeaways

• 😀 You can make paper beads using various types of paper, such as wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, junk mail, and even old book pages.
• 😀 Mod Podge is essential for sealing and adding shine to the paper beads. You can choose from gloss, matte, or satin finishes depending on your preference.
• 😀 The project is beginner-friendly, making it suitable for both adults and kids. Teens and children can enjoy making these beads with simple instructions.
• 😀 Kathy recommends using cardboard templates for shaping the beads, with popular shapes including oval, cone, and tube beads.
• 😀 You can use specialty scissors, like pinking shears or zigzag scissors, to create textured edges on your beads for extra design flair.
• 😀 For a more decorative look, you can tear the paper edges to create a tattered effect that gives the beads more texture.
• 😀 To roll the beads, start with a toothpick or a straw (for larger beads), and gradually apply Mod Podge while rolling to keep the paper in place.
• 😀 You can create different bead sizes by adjusting the size of the template used. Larger templates create bigger beads, while smaller templates create smaller ones.
• 😀 To dry the beads, place them upside down in an egg carton to prevent sticking while they cure. Extra Mod Podge may cause the bead to stick slightly to the toothpick but can be easily removed.
• 😀 The finished beads can be strung into necklaces, bracelets, or earrings, and can be customized by using different papers or adding a sparkle finish with glitter Mod Podge.

Q & A

What types of paper can be used to make paper beads?

You can use various types of paper such as scrapbook paper, old magazines, catalogs, book pages, and even junk mail. Prints or textured papers tend to create more interesting beads.

What is Mod Podge used for in this paper bead-making process?

Mod Podge is used to glue the paper together and seal the beads, giving them a glossy or matte finish. It helps to hold the paper in place as it is rolled and provides a protective coating once the bead is dry.

Can paper beads be made with children?

Yes, paper beads can be made with children. For younger kids, you can use a straw instead of a toothpick to create larger beads, making it easier for them to string and handle the beads.

How do you achieve a glossy or matte finish on the beads?

To achieve a glossy finish, you use Gloss Mod Podge. For a matte finish, you would use Matte Mod Podge. The finish you choose depends on your personal preference.

What are the benefits of using decorative scissors when making paper beads?

Decorative scissors, like zigzag or wave cutters, add texture to the edges of the paper, creating unique, visually interesting beads with more dimension.

How can you add a glittery effect to paper beads?

To add a glittery effect, apply Mod Podge Sparkle as a topcoat over the bead once it's dry. This will give the bead a shiny, glittery finish.

What kind of template is used for making an oval paper bead?

An oval bead is made using a triangular template. The wider base of the triangle determines the size of the bead, with smaller triangles creating smaller beads.

What is the purpose of using an egg carton in the process?

An egg carton is used as a drying rack for the beads. The beads are placed in the carton to dry upside down, preventing them from sticking or getting damaged during the drying process.

What should you do if you want to make a smaller or larger bead?

To make a smaller bead, use a smaller template, particularly one with a narrower base. For larger beads, use a larger template with a wider base.

Can you mix and match different types of paper for making beads?

Yes, mixing and matching different types of paper, such as colorful catalog pages or old book pages, can create unique, multi-colored beads that offer more texture and visual interest.