Paper Bead Bracelets
These Paper beads and bracelets are the perfect way to create costume style jewellery to match your outfits or colour theme. They can be sized to fit both children and adults and can be made to suit both male and females.
The beads and the bracelets can be made by everyone of all ages and are both sustainable, have a daily use, are aesthetically pleasing and are great fun to make !
This is a special blog post for Hobbycraft Artisan application, stage 2
Skill Level - all levels
Cost - £14 - £19
Time 2 hours
Materials used are available from Hobbycraft
You will need;
- A4 Papers of your choice
- PVA Glue
- Mod Podge
- Large safety pin
- Masking tape
- Scissors
- Bead Template Pattern - download my free template here
NOTE: Throughout these instructions the small template has been used to create bracelets with 9 small beads.
On the combined template download I have also made available a large template which would create bracelets with 6 large beads.
Lets get started
You may want to watch my short "how to" video before you begin - click
here
Step 1
Select your chosen sheet of paper (I used a sheet from Leopard Mix Designed Paper Pad) and your embroidery threads (I chose DMC Blanc, 927 & 3799).
Step 2
Using the small template size, cut 9 triangle pieces, 1 rectangle and two half triangles, you can use a paper trimmer or scissors to do this.
Step 3
Using a cocktail stick curl a triangle piece from the widest edge and roll around the cocktail stick applying small amounts of PVA glue as you roll.
Be sure to roll evenly to the pointed end and ensure the piece is fully glued before removing it from the stick - leave to dry, repeat eight more times.
Roll the rectangle piece and the half triangles in the same way but keep the edges straight on the rectangle and one end straight on the half triangles then leave to dry.
Step 4
Apply Mod Podge to the completed beads to seal the edges and give protection - I used gloss but there are other finishes available including matt and sparkle. Allow to dry.
Step 5
To create the cord I used three colours of embroidery thread, my colours coordinated with my selected paper sheets, you could equally use one colour only to create your cord.
Step 6
Cut 3 lengths of 80cm, fold these in half and attach to a safety pin, these I taped down with masking tape to hold in place.
Step 7
Using the folded threads I plaited using the strands all the way to the end, tie a secure knot to the end - we will trim the end piece later.
Step 8
Take a 1/2 triangle (stopper) section first and thread onto the plaited cord - you may find this easier using a large eyed needle. Next thread the rectangle buckle and then thread your oval beads on to the cord
Step 9
Thread the needle back through the buckle (rectangle) bead creating a closed loop
Step 10
Attach the final stopper bead to the cord and tie a knot in the end, trim the end of both knots to finish
Your bracelet is now complete !
This craft is so enjoyable and easy to create, the different types of bracelets you can create are endless.
- I've created a few more variations below, some have metal beads added
- You can also use various types of papers, for example I've used a page from an old atlas
- You could use old large books or even used post envelopes where you could design or stain your own paper
- You can also substitute the embroidery threads for leather or cord, or try an alternative plait to create different cord effects
- Finally I've made just one style of bead here, using different template shapes you could create different style of beads, the possibilities are endless - and all from just a piece of paper !
The possibilities are endless with this sustainable craft.
Whatever combinations or materials you choose, enjoy what you do and please share your makes with me via my social media platforms.
Below is an example of a 6 bead bracelet created using the large template
