Paper Beads

You and your child can have lots of fun making paper beads in this craft activity.

Paper Beads

Materials

  • Paper—construction paper, wallpaper or magazine pages
  • Round toothpicks or nails
  • Glue
  • String or yarn
  • Shellac, paint, or felt tip markers
Directions

  1. Begin by cutting the paper into straight and triangular strips. The width, length, and shape of the strip determine the size and shape of the bead.
  2. Experiment and see what shapes you like.
  3. Cover one side of the paper strip with glue, then place the toothpick or nail at one end.
  4. Use a toothpick if you want to put the bead on string, use a nail if you want to string the bead on yarn.
  5. Roll tightly into a compact bead.
  6. Remove the toothpick or nail before the bead dries.
  7. Let the bead dry thoroughly before adding coloring and shellac (shellac darkens the color of the bead).
  8. String the beads in a design you like.
Note: These make nice gifts and would be a fun project at a party.

Was this article helpful?