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Hand-Dyed Paper Beads - An Upcycle Project with Gorgeous Results
Upcycled Paper Beads - Natural and Beautiful
I received the lovely oak leaf pendant in this picture as a gift a few years ago from some dear family members. I really wanted to honor the gift they gave me by creating a beautiful design around it. It's taken me several years, but I think I have finally found the right design. The natural look of the 3-hole pendant is enhanced by these hand-rolled, hand-dyed, and upcycled beads.
I am always looking for new, appealing and practical ways to reuse this plentiful resource, because I hate the idea of it just going into the landfill. My husband and I have figured out a number of ways to reuse and upcycle packaging paper. I think this one is the best so far! On this page, I'll share with you how I created paper beads out of the packaging paper, dyed the beads, and turned them into the wearable art you see here.
I sincerely hope you enjoy this project!
The Perfect Paper Bead Making Book to Spark Your Creativity - on Amazon
The BIG Book of Paper Beads really expanded my knowledge of paper beads - shapes, sizes, styles. You name it, this book has a picture, description, history, and/or design it's been used in. I love it for the color photos and inspiration and highly recommend it. With this book in your hand, you will definitely be excited about paper beads!
Have you ever made paper beads of any kind?
Have you ever made paper beads of any kind?
Making the Beads
Make Lovely Dyed Beads from Packaging Paper
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Mod Podge Tip
The first coat of 
Don't worry! The Mod Podge dries quickly so it doesn't take long to put on multiple layers.
Cutting Tip for Paper Strips
For easy cutting of paper strips: On one edge of the paper square, put hash marks ever inch starting at one inch. Then on the opposite edge of the paper, make hash marks every inch starting at 1/2 inch. Draw diagonal lines between the staggered hash marks.
Adjust as needed for different widths of paper beads.
Paper Bead Roller Kit
Honestly, you don't need this kit.
However, for young hands, older hands, or any hands that have difficulty with small motor function, I highly recommend this kit. The tool is easy to hold and use, which also makes it easier for beginning bead makers. I also really like how this kit helps beginners get started with fabric beads.
Of any of the kits I've seen or used, this is by far my favorite!
Making the Necklace
Supplies for this Project
Here is a complete list of supplies you'll need for this project
- 3-hole pendant - Choose a pendant with a little weight, so the necklace will hang nicer. This one is from Dorabeth Designs (see link below)
- Silkon Nylon Thread - brown
- 1 headpin
Split rings
- 1 tiger eye bead
- 3mm silver-plated cord ends
- Lobster-claw clasp
- Handmade paper beads
Add just a drop of super glue or jewelry glue inside these cord ends, and they'll hold fast and look great in your jewelry design.
Dorabeth Designs
My brother-in-law and his soon-to-be wife gave me this pendant as a gift. I loved it immediately, but it took me years to figure out just the right way to use it. In my eyes, this necklace is the perfect design for it.
I love the 3-hole pendant because of the many design possibilities it offers. The component itself is beautifully handcrafted of pewter and is completely nickel-free, which can be a concern for people with metal allergies.
If you like the leaf pendant I used here (tutorial below), you can find this and many more handcrafted beading components from Dorabeth Designs at Antelope Beads.
Making the Necklace
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Beading Tutorials for this Project
HOW TO USE A HEAD PIN
This is a good, clear video for how to use a head pin. Just make sure that you thread the head pin through the 3rd hole of the pendant before you start wrapping unless you want to use a jump ring connector.
HOW TO FINISH A LEATHER OR CORD NECKLACE
This is a good set of instructions for finishing your necklace. I substitute split rings in place of jump rings because I like the added security. Use what you like!
Do you like the idea of making paper beads like these?
Do you like the idea of making paper beads like these?
Link Party Connections
What do you think about this way of upcycling packaging paper?
This is so clever - I would have never thought of making anything like this from paper for some reason, but why not! The result is fantastic. What a great idea. Thank you so much for sharing. :0)
Yes, my Mom and I made these in the early 1970s from wrapping paper. They looked great. We did not know about the mod podge at the time. Next time I make them for bracelets I will use the mod podge to preserve them! Great lens!
Beautiful! I have always wanted to learn how to make paper beads!
Thanks I didn't even know paper beads existed I'm impressed by how good they look
I have a pair of earrings made of this paper but until now had no idea what they were made from. I just know that they are lovely and now, well, I think I will give this a try. Thank you for the great lens.
Thank you for the great tutorial. I will be trying your bead making technique soon!
I think this is such a great idea and they look really beautiful. Congratulations on your LOTD :)
What a fun and beautiful way to recycle paper! Thanks for taking the time to create the lens and and congratulations on LotD. :-)
I love it! Your finished product is beautiful and the how-to pictures are great, too. What a wonderful project. Congratulations on your very impressive Lens of the Day!
Well done! I actually have done paper beads myself. I cut them the same way you did. I rolled them with a toothpick, gave them dot of craft glue on the end, and sprayed some shiny acrylic spray on them.
Amazing! What a beautiful project and excellent how-to! Congratulations on well deserved Lens of the Day. The beads look like fun to make. The instructions are so well done. Pinning this. Really love it!
Paper beads. Imagine! I love your work in the opening photo. Just lovely. A good winter project, I think.
Very creative and useful. Congratulations on getting LotD!
I use magazines for my beads, but I must try your method. I cut my strips with a simple lap size paper cutter while I watch TV. I touch up the edges of the paper with marker or paint and then roll them on a big eyed needle because I found they stuck a bit on toothpicks. I seal them with a little Elmer's and then paint over them with clear nail polish. Congratulations on LotD
I love using recycled paper for many projects. Now I am decoupaging some boxes. Paper beads are great for sensitive people.
This is a great idea. I have made paper beads before using scraps of scrapbook paper.That works okay too.
Congratulations on LOTD! What a great idea project...will certainly try it!
Congrats! Awesome craft idea. Amazing how such simple and inexpensive materials became something so lovely.
this looks like a fun craft project, I'll try this
I'm not the most crafty, but I might be able to do this. The results are beautiful!
I love paper crafts and I love jewelry, so the combination is right up my alley.
Congrats of LOTD. I love this. Great ideas.
Wow they really look so pretty!
We made these using wallpaper samples when I was a kid. LOVE paper beads!
Good idea but no appeal to me! Well done LOTD though!
Good idea but no appeal to me! Well done LOTD though!
This would be a great craft project for summer camp, seniors in retirement homes, in school art classes, and much more. I love the idea, although, I'm not much of a craft person.
Great idea. I will actually try this
What a beautiful and creative way to make jewelry! Congrats on your well deserved LOTD!
These crafts are gorgeous!
Fantastic! I love the beads, how beautiful.
What a creative idea and they're so beautiful. Congrats on LOTD!
Can't wait to make some!
Wow, as a child of the 70's this takes me right back to summer art camps of the day. I think we used newspaper back then along with making candles, pet rocks and other hippie crafts. I will share this with my toddlers this summer! Great LOTD!
I wonder how the paper beads would turn out if dipped in melted wax. Your project sure turned out lovely.
I always wondered how the paper beads were made. Thanks for the tutorial
I love this idea - I only wish I had more time to make them!! Maybe one day! Nice lens thanks for your tips.
I live with a paper beader! We have a gallon jar full of colorful beads, and there are always new ones popping up. It really is a fun and beautiful way to re-purpose discarded paper.
I love the idea! Upcycling some paper into something so fantastic--great lens. Bravo.
I first saw the idea of crafting paper beads when I published my Amazima charity lens. The Ugandan women sell paper bead jewelry to support their children. Of course, that made me fall in love with the idea (and their lovely necklaces). You really found the perfect look for your pendant. Congrats on LotD!
I've been meaning to make some paper beads but just haven't got to it yet. I think this post is going to change that.
Great idea!
Great idea. I do some beading, but am not advanced at it -- yet. I would love to try this, and am about to pin it onto my arts board at MiaMiaDesigns on Pinterest. Thank you for the instructions.
Anything that recycles paper, plastic, or whatever, is a good thing. I think this is quite a craft to learn to do, and can be quite beautiful.
Beautiful designs, should try to create something like this for my two daughters :)
Wanting to give this idea a try
I like how the packing paper was used. I would probably just leave it its normal neutral color without any dye because I wear a lot of autumn colors and brown is a common base shade for me. Great idea!
Much better than what the department stores offer which is imported and over packaged junk made with slave labor and with a 1,000% markup.
This would be a fun and useful project to do with my kids this summer.
Awesome, and thank you for your clear instructions and tips. You made a great page here. Thanks!
great lens - thanks!
I've been playing with paper beads recently. It's actually relaxing to do them. I need to step up to the next task on the list which is to glaze them. Love your hub.
- Author
@Arachnea, I agree. It can be very soothing to simply roll one paper bead after another. Before you know it, there are a ton of beads sitting in front of you and a calm heart. Thanks for visiting!
I've made paper beads for a while using magazine pages. I have been planning on turning some of my sons old finger paint art into paper beads too, but before this I have NEVER thought about making the beads and then dying them! Ill have to try this some time soon.
I discovered paper beads when I began caring for my Dad. I needed a distraction and a way to relax. It was delightful and I was addicted. My eyes are always open for various colored papers. I have to make myself throw stuff out because everything I see looks like it could make beautiful beads. And it's such a great way to recycle too.
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