There is fun in using beads to make jewelry. There are a lot of fun and colorful beads to play and choose from. From different designs, you can create a piece of statement jewelry fit for any occasion you want. This will surely catch the attention of anyone who will see.
However, jewelry making beads are not only sold. They can be made out of different materials. From cheap papers to plastic and clays, you can create your signature beads. With these, you can learn the art of bead making. You can likewise earn money! There are different advantages to learning the art of making jewelry beads. But, first, get to know the different ways of how jewelry making beads are made.
How to Make Paper Beads
Making paper beads is one of the cheapest and quickest kinds of beads to make. The supplies used can easily be found at home or stashed in your crafting toolbox. This is a good chance to recycle different kinds of paper stacked at home. The process is not complicated, but it would need a lot of time and patience to roll the beads tightly in place.
In making paper beads, you need to prepare a couple of important things. Here are as follows:
- Paper
- Toothpick.
- Ruler
- Paper Glue
- Pencil
- Crystal Clear Enamel
You can use any paper you want. The common ones are papers from old magazines, books, posters, and any paper available. The important thing to consider is the paper’s qualities. It should be thin and easy to roll up.
To start, get the ruler, pen, and paper. Lay the paper on the table landscape style and measure one side and its adjacent side using the rule. Mark each half-inch using the pen. Turn the paper to portrait style. Using the rule, position the other end into the first mark, and the other right at the edge of the paper. So instead of a straight line, you will have small strips of uneven lines. Cut the lines, and you will get strips of paper with pointed ends.
You can make paper beads and try different widths, shapes, and lengths. Take your creativity to the next level.
Next, put the glue. Start for the thicker end of the paper sticks, then spread it into the other end, make sure the tip gets the glue also. You can use a small paintbrush to spread the glue evenly. It is best to apply it on the bad side of the paper.
Once it’s done, you can roll the beads using the toothpick. Starting from the wider part, roll it down. Make sure the edges are even. Let them dry, and once they are fully dried, coat them with the crystal-clear enamel.
How to Make Polymer Clay Beads
Another way to create your own colorful and amazing jewelry making beads are through using polymer clay. The results are amazing, and you will surely get colorful and amazing bread in different shapes and sizes. The process and the results will surely excite you.
You will need the following ingredients:
- Paper
- Clay in different colors.
- Needle Tool
- Plastic Cutting Tool
Start by preparing your clay. You can use clays with several colors as you desire. Mix two colors for a wondrous result. Roll each clay color into a big ball. Then roll in into the surface until you create a stick.
When you want to combine two colors, roll out each color into a long stick. Then twist the two colors together, and roll them again. Avoid squeezing or smashing the clay; instead, continue to roll and mix the color until they fully combine.
Use your paper cutting tool blade to cut the long stick into equal small sections. Roll these small sections using your palm until they form a small circle or any shape you want. Take the needle tool, and push it on the center of the bead to create a hole. Set the rolled clay into the paper and let them rest.
Once everything is ready, you can now bake your beads. Follow the instructions on the clay. Once done, you can let it cool or coat it with a shiny gloss for a great finish. Now, your polymer clay beads are ready.
How to Make Plastic Beads
Plastic jewelry making beads also come out well. Plus, they are environmentally friendly. You can make plastic jewelry bead using any plastic cups, bottles, or containers as long as they are thin and bendable enough. It is fun and easy; still, you need to be careful since you will be dealing with a lot of heat.
Prepare the following:
- Plastic soda bottles or plastic cups
- Heat gun
- Permanent Markers
- Scissors
- Metal Pliers
- Toothpick or skewers
First, take the plastic soda bottles or plastic cups. Cut them open and cut them into large sections. The section is to be cut to strip, which can be four to eight inches.
Take your permanent marker and color one section of the plastic section. You can doodle, make designs, or simply color one side. Once you are done, cut the section into big strips. Straight cut strips will take the shape of cylinder beads, while angled cuts will result in diamonds or oval beads.
Next, take one strip and heat it using the heat gun. Lay it on a non-flammable surface and start heating. Once the strips softened, take your skewer or toothpick and carefully wrapped the softened plastic around it. You need to be careful since the plastics are very hot and may burn your fingers. The metal pliers will help you bend the plastic strip and make a roll. You can shape the beads while it is still hot.
Let the pieces of beads cool off while they are still wrapped in the skewer. Once they are dried, you take them off and start making your jewelry.
Conclusion
Making statement jewelry doesn’t have to be expensive. You can create using cheap products, or recycle things. You can help the environment breathe and create art at the same time. You only need a few things and wild imagination; then you are ready to make jewelry making beads.
The key lies in making sustainable products that will help you. There is no need for other expensive supplies when you can do so much more with the plastic and papers lying around the house. This could be a way for you to start taking better care of the environment. Start creating jewelry making beads using these recycled products, and you will be surprised by the results.
