A Storybook Life

This is a great project ….sounds like a perfect craft for these grey winter days. Thanks for passing it on

I think this would be a great art project when my neice has her group of girlfriends over for a sleepover weekend. Fun way to make ‘chunky’ jewelry. might be a great Mothers Day project for my 9-10 year old boys Homeschool group of friends too. Thanks for the reminder that this a fun way to recycle.

The colors are so natural looking…I think I will try small size egg shapes to go in a nest my son gave me. Won’t those look cute painted like Robin eggs?

I like the ethnic look of these. A great project to share some quality time with my 11 year old daughter.

I love this idea! It looks easy and inexpensive enough. Hopefully I can give this a try sometime soon. Thank you so much for sharing.
~Gretchen

those are gorgeous! they do look like precious stones and no way like leftovers from newspapers we read

Very good idea.I will try.
Very beautiful blog

Could you make the beads larger like the size of a baseball? I think it would look beautiful on my coffee table. IS there any trick to making the colors look so natural?

Thanks,
Kyle (Suzanne)
Ma of 3 p’s in a pod

Oh I love this…how beautiful. And to think they are made from old newspaper. The mix of the beads with the felt is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing this clever use of recycled newspaper!

Great project – thanks for the instructions. I think I will try making different sized spheres (3, 4, 5 inches in diameter), decorating, and then display in a wooden or glass bowl.

Thanks for sharing such wonderful ideas! I really enjoyed your site. I have 5 grown daughters and we have a craft night once a month. I think the beads will be a fabulous project. So nice of you to share the directions. I will visit often. Thanks Again! Glamma Fabulous

Where can you buy these necklaces?

They’re lovely! I so want to go and make some right now, and guess what! I’ve got everything I need at home! I love doing crafty things and that looks so easy and fun. I so want to be making some recycled beads!
I shall be passing on the page to a friend who’s doing a jewellery making course at the moment. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled at being able to make endless beads for next to nothing.

Hello,
can I suggest that you use a scewer or an even finer metal wire for making the holes while they dry. You might wait a while before you put them on the wire or scewer so the beads firm up, but poke a hole first,(with a toothpick?)one on each end so the holes look neat and tidy, and then put them on the steek. I’m not sure the medium would hold up so be careful and try it first.

I love the felt idea. How about dryer lint?
dana

the quality of your presentation and apparent care make this site a treasure.
the idea of using parenting or bonding with friends around recycling is what this society needs.
and there is no limit to creativity…
paperweights–chimes–mobiles–faux-ceramic dishes–bead curtains–wall bead chains–belts–shoe bobbles–enough?

Very clever–you’re right about all the possibilities there are with these!

This is so cool! I have done a similar project, but I use rose petals instead (when you wear them, the scent rubs off!). And instead of drilling a hole into the beads, I puncture them with a needle or a small taper before they dry.

hi, this is such a great way to use old paper, really want to try it for myself but am just wondering what ind of drill do you use to make the holes and do I need a vice on a work bench to hold the bead while I drill it???

those are great .when i was a child we made simular beads in bible school out of torn christmas paper

If anyone is interested in a good cause and would like one of these necklaces, you should know about “Paper to Pearls”, a charitable initiative of Voices for Global Change. I first found out about this initiative through my college. See below:

“Our handsome paper bead necklaces are made by hand by women in the internal refugee camps of Northern Uganda. The income from the sale of the necklaces helps them buy food, medicine, and school supplies for their children. In addition, net revenue from the necklace sales is given back to the camps in the form of education, training and entrepreneurship development.”

http://www.papertopearls.org/

These are fantastic!

I love these beads and the project. A friend once used the same technique for breaking the papers down in boiling water etc. But then put the boiled and drained paper scraps into a food processor. After shredding, mixed with paste and then put the mixture over an overturned bowl. Leaving it out to dry for several days…you end up with the mixture pulling away from the bowl/mold and you have a bowl. You paint it, decorate it with pictures or cutouts…or just a painted design. And then varnish. You can’t eat out of it or put liquid in it…but use it decoratively.

This is a great tutorial. I love these beads, I just might have to find a way to incorporate them into a set of cards!

Thanks for writing about this!

Alex

p.s. The toile background on your site is very nice, I just designed/printed a letterpress stationery set for a client which included a wood box faced in toile wrapping paper.

This is an awesome way to recycle! I tried it and made some beads, but I can’t quite get the colors to marble like you did. Any tips?

These look great! I will definitely try these next weekend!

the beads are gorgeous – i can’t wait to try this! thank you for sharing!

These look great! Thanks for this article.

[...] ooh, ooh! some quick and dirty: -”stop, drop and drool” (over your shoes) is right! especially when it comes to these chie mihara lovelies (thanks fashion is spinach!) and finsk for topshop stunners (scroll down). -delicious subversion: how graphic designer/artist scott king would sink american vogue (via creative review, via someone else whom i forgot, eep!). if only this would really happen. HA! -these mottled beads you can make from old newspapers are rather intriguing…they look like stone! i’m almost compelled to make some giant ones and pretend i’m wilma flintstone or her gal-pal betty rubble. (via a storybook life, via craft:) [...]

[...] I was trolling through the internet and saw these paper beads and how-to instructions at this blog. Doesn’t the idea make your mind spin, thinking of the possibilities? The instructions are simple and easy-to-follow. Be sure to read the suggestion-filled comments for more bead ideas and other uses of the paper mixture. [...]

How did you paint them to get that crackle look? I love that.

I love the natural ethnic look of these beads. I can see my daugther and I have great fun making these next weekend.

[...] Here is a fun and crafty project that I have bookmarked for summer fun. Making gorgeous beads from newspaper!   [...]

Are the felt beads made with the same technique?

Sono collane bellissime, colori molto gradevoli e di buon gusto.
Brava! Carmela

* From an Italian reader… here’s what she says:
They are the beautifulst necklaces, colors many gradevoli and of good taste. Good! Carmela

[...] questa è un’idea di base davvero semplice ed economica, poichè servono dei giornali, dell’acqua calda, della colla vinilica, della vernice protettiva e un minimo di fantasia nel comporre. è infatti gradevole anche l’abbinamento di queste palline con quelle in feltro, o con altri elementi (rondelle, spago, lana, fil di ferro…). la tecnica è praticamente quella per la creazione della carta pesta: si spezzettano dei fogli di giornale, li si ricopre con dell’acqua calda, lasciando a riposo per un’ora. si rimescola e si strizza il tutto, lasciando andar via l’eccesso di acqua. si aggiunge della colla vinilica e si comincia a creare le palline modellando un po’ di impasto alla volta, tra le mani e lasciando uscire l’umido il più possibile. si lasciano poi asciugare per due giorni, rigirandole ogni tanto. [...]

tag back from an Italian reader – here’s what she says…

this is an idea of simple and indeed economic base, poichè serves of newspapers, dell warm water, of the vinilica glue, the protecting varnish and a minimum of fantasy in composing. coupling of these littles ball with those in felt, or other elements is in fact gradevole also l (washers, spago, wool, fil of iron;). the technique is practically that one for the creation of the paper steps on: spezzettano of the newspaper sheets, covers them with dell warm water, leaving R-retired for an hour rimescola and strizza all, leaving to go via l water excess. one joins of the vinilica glue and it is begun to create the littles ball being modeled a po of paste to the time, between the hands and leaving to exit l humid most possible. they then let to dry for two days, rigirandole every a lot

Hi,
I’m Helen (the maker of the beads in the photographs!) Thank you for all your lovely comments.

To get the mottled effect I paint lots of layers of different coloured paint on the beads and then sandpaper them down again to reveal the layers underneath.

Hope you’re all having fun making them!
Helen

How do you make the colors of the beads look like that?

Lisa

can i make it out of colored paper instead? i dont have paint but i do have lots of colored paper. any ideas or suggestions are welcomed!

How long do the necklaces typically last? Would moisture, sweating be an issue?

I’m going to do this with my daughter. It will be fun…or an adventure!

i second above comment! i would love to know how well they hold up through time and wear. and what kind of ‘varnish’ would you recomend?

Great idea, I’ll have to try this. What type of varnish do you use?

Just wanted to say these beads are gorgeous and thanks for sharing them. I have two questions, though. Firstly, when I tried this project myself i had some difficulties because the newspaper would make little clumps, making the beads somewhat fragile. Do you have any suggestions as to how to avoid this? Secondly, I myself would like to know what varnish you use!

Thanks

came across your great tutorial. I would like to write up a mention about it on my blog (It’s a blog about beading)

Please let me know if that would be okay. You can go check out my blog to see what it’s like at http://thebeadkitchen.blogspot.com/

Thank you for such a cool tutorial. – Ginger

I am amazed at these beads. Brilliant idea!!

Oh, my gosh! I am so excited to find this and to try it! What fun!!

vry nice n creative.. i like it

This is a great project, looks wonderful!

What type of varnish do you use? Please let me know as I would like to try this project soon, thanks

Can someone please tell me how to get the beads to form. We made a few beads but are having trouble with the paper staying together. We have added a ton of glue and still nothing.

[...] Как сделать красивые бусы из старых газет – здесь. [...]

I’ve just been using regular varnish (the kind you’d buy in a hardware store and use on wood!). I use a few coats.

With regards to the paper holding together to form the beads, I have had a couple that fall apart too, expecially when I come to drill the hole. It seems to happen to me when the paper hasn’t broken down into tiny enough pieces and sort of clumps together. I try to get a really smooth papier mache mixture with the paper completely broken down so it’s almost like a paste. (I’ve been putting the mixture in a blender to do this!).

I’ve also found that if I try to squeeze too much of the water out when I’m rolling them up then they’ll fall apart too.

Not sure exactly how durable they are yet! I started making them about a year ago and the first one’s I made are still looking good. The main drawback is that they’re not waterproof but apart from that they seem to be pretty durable.

u guys are so creative!
any ideas to decorate notice board?
i really appreciate some help here…

[...] Step #1 – Gather a small pile of newspapers from the recycling basket. Step #2 – Rip the paper into small pieces Read the Rest at: http://www.astorybooklife.com/how-to/paper-beads/ [...]

Your beads looks like precious stones, very unique.

I love this process and have started making lots of beads.
Mine are still a bit rough but I like the look.
So far have just used some for a bracelet which I threaded on elastic cord. I put a glass bead between each paper bead.

Tips I found good, roll balls when some water in mixture, hold together better.
Don’t use too much glue.
To paint them, thread onto a chopstick, tell where I live?
I even partly dried some in the microwave and they were fine.
Thanks so much for these ideas, aloha Lilla

There aren’t words for how much I love this. I guess it helps that I abhor junk mail and enough of mine is on newsprint that I will definintely be upcycling it like this!

Thank you so much for this tutorial!!!

GREAT tutorial!

My trick for getting the paper torn up small enough is to use an old blender (hello thrift store!). Tear up the paper and add a little water to make a slurry. At least this is how I did it when I was making regular paper and my grand scheme for making these beads.

My sense it that you wouldn’t need heat doing it this way. At least that is what I will find out the hard way

I read that you definitely want to use separate stuff just for paper and not use the bowl/pot/blender for food, too.

HTH!

I’ve seen paper beads made by rolling strips of paper and then coating with glue. but I have never seen it done this way. They look great.

[...] A Storybook Life – How to Make Paper Beads [...]

at what point do you add the glue? so you do it while you’re rolling the paper or do you mix it in?

wow …nice handiwork!

I love working with papier mache. It’s been a while since I’ve done it and your beads have inspired me to start back up. Thanks for the tutorial.

This is really cool/. We run a recycling site (printer cartridges and cell phones) that I’ll post this on. Thanks for sharing such a neat idea. Our recyclers will love it!!!

http://www.ecyclegroup.com

The kids and I started this today… I didn’t read all the comments first, so I don’t think we got the paper shredded enough. Anyway, our first batch is sitting in the open window drying… we will see how they turn out! I am very exciting, though I am sure it will take a few batches for them to work well. What about adding a varnish or sealer prior to forming the balls to help make them water resistant? The kids were funny… whining about getting sticky during the process!

esta carta es muy buena..meravillosa, un espectaculo de colores..

Editor’s Note: English version – This letter is very good .. meravillosa, a spectacle of color

Cool concept, with a great result. Thanks for sharing.

[...] These paper beads made from recycled newspaper are just complete eyecandy. Head over to A storybook life to find the complete tutorial by Pearl. SHARE THIS POSTClose this WindowBookmark and Share This Page Save to Browser FavoritesAskbackflipblinklistBlogBookmarkBloglinesBlogMarksBlogsvineBUMPzee!CiteULikeco.mmentsConnoteadel.icio.usDotNetKicksDiggdiigodropjack.comdzoneFacebookFarkFavesFeed Me LinksFriendsitefolkd.comFurlGoogleHuggJeqqKaboodlekirtsylinkaGoGoLinksMarkerMa.gnoliaMister WongMixxMySpaceMyWebNetvouzNewsvinePlugIMpopcurrentPropellerRedditRojoSegnaloShoutwireSimpySlashdotSphereSphinnSpurl.netSquidooStumbleUponTechnoratiThisNextWebrideWindows LiveYahoo!Email This to a FriendCopy HTML: If you like this then please subscribe to the RSS Feed.Powered by Bookmarkify™ More » [...]

This is a wonderful idea. I love all of the pictures. I have gotten into making paper beads again, it is such a great way to use scraps of paper and to recycle. I will definitely try this!

connected with paper!i love it!i’m happy to share the same interest and love for my recent hobby-papier mache.your beads are simply delicious!and combinnig colors with textures is everything!….the pictures quality is also at level!i love the felted beads!
question-what kind of wire do you use.are they stainless?

Thanks for this post, which I recently found. I have linked to it on my blog.

[...] Something I found particular neat was this article on how to make beads out of newspaper. They are really cool. I plan on doing this soon. I love how easy it is. It seems like even I can do it! It would be a great activity for Meg and I to do together. This blog also has great ideas on how to decorate your home and recycle things. It’s full of beautiful photos. I was really impressed with the details of the blog. [...]

[...] Check out the how-to — How to Make Beautiful Beads From Recycled Newspaper — on A Storybook Life. And go see the beads! Tags: Beads From Recycled Newspape, recycled newspaper beadsShare This Related StoriesliCelebratory Newspaper Hatslili…liliSomething Old, Somthing New, Something…Both?lili…liliScrapbooking and Cardmaking with Old Stamps and Calendarslili…liliHave a Great Mom’s Daylili…lili7 Unforgetable Projectslili…liliLeather Pen Holsterlili…liliJunk of the Starslili…li [...]

Great idea… like someone else wrote, I too should have read the comments first… I think the paper pieces I used are too big.. we will see. Anyhoo, I was wondering, isn’t there a varnish or something that we can put on the beads to make them waterproof?

Those are great, I’m so glad I found this article! I’ve been experimenting with papermaking with recycled paper, and I can see these as a great extension of that.

By the way, if you have an old “stick” (or immersion) blender you don’t mind sacrificing to the cause, it’s a great tool for turning wet paper scraps into paper pulp, without waiting the hour or using boiling water. Very hot tap water and 20 minutes will do the trick if you use the blender.

[...]  That is the end of where I am.  They are drying.  I believe that I was very shy on the glue and will be attempting a second batch.  When they are dry you can paint them, drill a hole for your ribbon or yarn or string… and have some awesome jewelry.  I found the idea on http://www.astorybooklife.com/how-to/paper-beads/  [...]

I think they’re way beautiful. Thank you for sharing this information with us.

This is a great idea. Ive done similar work..You can also use old nail polishes for update colors to match up with clothing.

I got into paper bead making this summer (I’m a teacher who has summers free) and just fell in love with this craft. However, my beads are all rolled. I am so happy that you have shared these earthy round beads with us and I can’t wait to try making some. Thank you so much for passing this craft on to us all!

Hallo

I studied environmental education at tertiary and been looking for practical ways of turning waste into invaluable gifts for people. Obviously making money from it. I am looking forward to learning and transferring this skill to those who would appreciate it.

Your website is truly a treasure-filled chest.

Thanx a million x over.

Treasure Tau

[...] Made beads for necklaces, bracelets, earrings or just for fun -  These beads have a very earthy quality. It looks like a great project for those long winter days with tween girls at home.  http://www.astorybooklife.com/how-to/paper-beads/ [...]

My school gave me a task on letting my 6 yr. old make jewelry out of recycled materials. I thought of the beaded necklace using newspaper and it was fun and we enjoyed it! And we mixed it with some artistic jewelry i shopped online and it turned out so perfect and colorful! Great article,

Thanks for having this craft online. I just started working with the elderly at our local nursing home and I can’t wait to try this.

hi
i was just wandering what to do in my spare time (which is pretty much at this moment) and i found this lovely website.
i’ve started doing the beads – i torn the newsparer with which my dog helped me and then i put the boiling water so now i am waiting – hope i’ll manage to make cute beads….
Thanx and best wishes Dessy

This is great! I just love to make some of these on my free day. I just love the colors and the style are absolutely unique! I bookmarked this page and so I can have this as a guide in making my own beads. Thanks for posting this and sharing it to us. God Bless.

I LOVE YOUR BLOG!
I will be QUOTING YOUR BLOG AT SOME POINT TODAY USING KWOTE
but in the mean time I wanted to give you an award for making me SMILE!

GO HERE to see the AWARD BUTTON
http://flbyu.blogspot.com/2008/11/award-for-me-maybe-for-you-too.html

right click the AWARD and save to your desktop
I am “giving” each of you the I LOVE YOUR BLOG AWARD
then just follow the directions
After receiving the award we must:
1)Add the logo of your award to your blog.
2)Add a link to the person who awarded it to you.
3)Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4)Add links to those blogs on your blog.
5)Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

[...] ~ A Storybook Life helps you make beautiful beads from recycled newspaper. [...]

Sweet site.

I’m doing this for x-mas.I think my family will love it.

I cant wait to see there reaction.

They all ways get jewlery but this would be something differnt.

Its so COOL!

This x-mas is going to be so fun my family will love your idea.

I know that this is a great idea to make for x-mas.

I would love to learn more.

Keep on keeping on.

Good night!

I cant wait to try this idea.I’m doing it this thanksgiving.

My cosin all ready saw the idea and cant wait to get hers.

I cant wait to see how they turn out.

keep on keeping on!

its amazing idea!

I am just wandering how do you drill the beeds? what kind of tool I should use to make a hole in the beeds.

Thanks a lot

This is such an awesome idea! I might use it as a business-from-home idea, as everyone in my school is crazy about the environment, and I might share it with the local Earth club, it would be a great group activity.

I love chunky colorful beads, and the ones you posted look fantastic!! I can’t wait to make mine!

Thanks for posting! God bless.

Hello,

I have added a link to this article on my blog today!
http://greenearthjourney.blogspot.com/

Sincerely,
Hyla

hay.
what a sweet website.
this gave me an idea for x-mas.

keep on keeing on.

Hi I was just wondering if a flour and water mixture would work instead of the glue? It could really add to the whole “earthy” theme

Hello!

I just have to say, awesome blog! This is such a fascinating idea, I’m dying to try it!

I was just wondering, do you know of any surface in particular that I should use to dry the beads?
I was thinking about a cookie sheet for baking, or some aluminum foil.

Also, my friend was thinking about starting a little business on the side with recycled items, and I told her about this. Any tips?

Thank you so much!

God bless, Liz.

i love these beads. was looking up recycle newspaper and found site my daughter is doing recycle project at school we are at the drying stage cant wait till there done so exciting and so beautiful hope ours turns out so pretty thank u

Thank you so much for this wonderful wee blog! I am always on the look out for involving, fun, and cheap (we don’t really have much of a budget!) crafts to do with the young people I work with.

This is just perfect. Thank you for taking the time!

Hey… maybe you should try puttin’ toothpicks (not used- lol)in the middle while they’re drying to save you time later instead of drilling holes. I tried and it works… Later dudes

omg… thank you so much for sharing this amazing tutorial…!! im going to try it right now:]

[...] For my day one Thing-A-Day project, I did the prep work for some recycled newspaper beads, based on this great ‘recipe’ by A Storybook Life. [...]

Now thats what i call Art!! i would have never thought of that personally. i have seen all sort of beads here in kenya, but nothing like this. I guess there will be much bigger and greater gifts this valentines. Am a fun of recycling and since kenya doesnt have a paper recycling system, i guess i will try this out with the youth in church. great work!!!

Wow, I love the organic look to these. As a beader and a recycler you really caught my attention! I’ll be writing about this and linking to you on my Art of Recycling blog. I’ll do it again on my Beading Blog after I get a chance to make some of my own.

Thank you so much for passing along this information. Those beads are beautiful! And now I can’t wait to get started making them.

OMG these beads are amazing! i am in the middle of making some right now. but i have a couple of questions…

how should i let them dry. won’t they get a flat side?
if i use a toothpick while drying to make the hole, how will i be able to re-roll it every few hours, (will they turn into oval/long beads)?
i was looking at your beads on flickr, and some of them are wrapped in cotton string. how did u do that? did u paint them, put the varnish on, and while the varnish was still wet, did u wrap the string around… then put more varnish on top?????

i am going on a missions trip to guatemala this summer with brio magazine… and i need to raise around 3000 dollars. i was wondering how much i could sell necklaces and bracelets… and maybe even earrings(ive quilled earrings before) for? obviously it is for a good cause, and it would make a great profit, since they cost virtually nothing!

i just wanted to tell u that these beads are AMAZING! great job! hopefully after a couple of tries i will be able to make good beads like u!

thanx so much for the great idea!
Layla( o and for the record, im 13yrs old)

ok so i made my first batch of beads… and they looked AMAZING!(if i do say so myself)

a couple of tips i found helpful…
dont sqeeze all of the water out while rolling them.
if a bead falls apart while u r rolling it, or or re-rolling it after a few hours of drying… go to the sink and drip a few droplets of water one it and re-roll… theyll be good as new!
use glue sparingly.
i used my big brothers drill he uses for model airplanes to drill holes.
use an oven mitt to hold the bead while drilling it(im a wuss who thinks shell drill her finder off! LOL)
if teh bead falls apart while ur drilling it, super glue it back together!!!! (i admit, i did in fact do this with 2/36 beads!)
when painting, paint on wooden skewers.
i used modge podge or whatever its called for my varnish(oo, shiny)
varnish on wooden skewers too!
use plastic paint for ur bottom layer of paint… otherwise u will end up sandpapering off the bottom layer, showing how grey the beads are!

i hope i helped with ur beads!!! im making another batch today =D

[...] http://www.astorybooklife.com/how-to/paper-beads/ [...]

Anyone tried this with magazine paper? I think I love this, Im going to try it this week. Also.. If you dont have a dremil (sp?) tool, couldnt you use toothpicks while its wet? Just a thought… Because I havent bought on yet.

I made a ton of these and LOVE It. It was so much fun…I hope you don’t mind but I posted pictures of a couple of the bracelets I made and will giving you credit (with a link).
Thanks for sharing!
Jessica

** Editors Note
Here’s Jessica’s blog link: http://jessicastrinkets.blogspot.com/2009/03/paper-beads.html
Where she made the beads & posted some pictures (although she didn’t post the link back yet

Wow,

Imagine my surprise…I have been making beaded jewelry for a short time, and recently came upon a business venture with my employers. They asked me to make jewelry out of recycled stuff (we are a recycle business)which they would buy from me. These beads are perfect and beautiful. Thank you for sharing and don’t ever be sorry for your business mind. I believe with your help and if we help each other as human beings, there will be a brighter future for my children and I as well as many other people.

Thanks again,

Lynn

I have tried making these, it is not easy but quite rewarding. I made my own glue using cornstarch and it work quite well. I find it easy also, to just drill it after it has dried so you can keep the round shape. It is also helpful to re shape the beads and mold them into round shape as it is drying so it does not lose its shape. I just saw something like this featured on etsy that’s made into magnets and shaped like hearts, pretty cute.

I am very happy to know how to make beads because it had helped me to make a necklace for my mother as a gift on my mother’s day.

WOW what a great Idea, I am studying fashion and we have to do a whole essay on RECYCLING. I think I will get top marks
- Thanks

Were the FELT beads made using the same method?

I have a question…

is there a way to control the color that the beads turn out being?

I’m working on a necklace but I want to have the colors stand for things.

This is really great. I can’t wait to try.

haha umm.. so ignore my last comment.

somehow i definitly didn’t see it say to paint the beads. lol

great work. love the blog.

I tried to make these and failed miserably ,i didnt let them dry but a day and the papers were not torn into small pieces and also the beads were very very very fuzzy.Your beads are so beautiful and shine,and i am wondering how much u would sell them if u had a business.bye for now

[...] [...]

I started making those beads some months ago, but how do you paint them so nicely?!

thanks for that information.
now i don’t need to ask my mom to go to the supermarket to buy beads beacause now i know how to some the easy way!
thaks a lot!

I saw this blog a few months ago, and the beautiful beads stuck in my mind. I tried it a while ago and also took your suggestion of starting a little business! Check out my Etsy shop at http://www.EverydayDiamonds.etsy.com!

Thanks so much!

Ohh! it´s so beautifull!!!
I dont speack english… i so sorry.
I love work with papers, stons and colours.

If you want you can visit my blog:
collardepapel.blogspot.com

[...] Recycled Newspaper Beads from A Storybook Life.* [...]

Would love to see a painting tutorial for these beautiful beads.

This was a rainy day project and we finished it on a cold day (the weather has been less than co-operative for July). The turned out so nice. We’re going to buy a nice bowl and display them in my 4.5 year old’s bedroom.

I would love to know the technique you used to paint these pretty beads. Please share.

[...] Out of paper handmade beads: http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/paper_bead_obbssesion_addiction http://www.astorybooklife.com/how-to/paper-beads/ [...]

thanks so much for posting this! it is a great craft idea and the beads look awesome! i can’t wait to try it out!

I love the look of these beads!
Thank you so much!
I’am going to mix up a small batch tonight to see how they do for me!

[...] Fuente: A Storybook Life [...]

[...] about a month ago, when I read this post at a Storybook Life, I had no idea that you could make something this pretty out of old [...]

I;m loving this idea and have got some drying out but please would you beable to share with me the technique of how you painted these bead, There absolutley stunning.

[...] 12. Make pretty beads out of paper [...]

[...] di Carta Pesta: sul Blog Astorybooklife le spiegazioni passo passo per realizzare le perline in carta [...]

[...] Beads Pest: on the Blog Astorybooklife explanations step by step to realize the beads in paper [...]

great idea… will definitely try this one.. could i have a few more ideas on paper mache like masks or something

Thank-you for sharing! I’ll tear up my paper tonight and let it soak in water all night.
Sure glad I read all the instructions well, and the comments; so I don’t have to ask you one of those repetitive questions. lol!

how do you drill the hole?after they get dry or before?and with what?

Thank you for sharing a wonderful idea. i hope you could still share other tips how to make beads from recyle or help us spend less for making beads and accessories. keep up the good work.

Hello Pearl, I can not get enough of your paper mache beads. Got any more pictures????

This is incredible. We do a class for home schooling moms on using the web to find ideas to keep your children engaged in the learning process. This site is definitely on our “Goto” list.

I love this – it’s look and especially, that it’s sustainable! I’m building my own jewelry website and will try this idea out to add to my designs. Thanks for this J

I’m in the process of making my own recycled paper mache beads now, but am using old egg cartons instead of newspaper. I absolutely love the beads Helen has made and hope mine turn out as well. You definitely cannot beat the cost of the beads nor the fact that each bead will be its own unique creation! Thanks for the pointers and excellent photos!

wow…im plannin to do this for my project,,,just one thing..are they hard? or a bit soft bcoz they were just made out of paper? are the colors from the paper itself or you have to paint them? please comment back asap tnx

ahw..i guess i was not able to read every comment..i got the answers already thank you…but one more thing… what kind of paint did you use?

tnx:)

Isn’t this GREAT! Oh, I have so many beads in mind that I want to make with my son (and alone as well) now! Thank you! I subscribed, so I’m eagerly awaiting some more great ideas.

i love beading it isthe the best thing in the world from shara

[...] How to make beautiful beads from recycle newspaper here [...]

Hi. My name is Maryam. I am the founder of Womenfound. We are a tsteful boutique retail store that benefits women. I would love to carry some of the beaded pieces made by readers. Our proceeds are donated to charities and foundations that help women around the world.

I also have some unused loft-space where I’d like to start workshops for kids and adults to create the beads and make earing, necklaces and bracelets.

Please let me know if anyone is interested in creating pieces for sale and/or helping spearhead the classes.

Thanks and best,
Maryam Zar
Womenfound.com – together we can do much good…

How long did this process take to make enough beads for a necklace? Is it hard to drill the beads to make the holes? Thanks, these look awesome!

DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE CREATIVE ACTIVTIES

So here I am trying to make these. Silly question I am sure…but after pouring glue all over a pan full of drained and still damp newspaper, trying to make that into balls and having no success, now I am taking little bunches, pouring glue onto those and trying to roll them into balls – UMMMMM – GIANT mess all over the place. What am I doing wrong? Or is this supposed to be really messy.

I don’t know if my previous question went through. One of them I found out myself. But I would like to know at what point you put glue in them? Do you put it in the whole mass of paper and then roll it out? That seems to be a LOT of glue. Or do you use glue for each individual bead you roll?

thanks! came across this lovely little article while searching google, myself and my best friend laura are going to make these and turn them in to braclets and necklaces to sell at the markets for some extra pocket money!

[...] are two sets of instructions I found.  The WikiHow and instructions from the lovely folks over at A Storybook Life.  Me? I’m sticking to my lovely green paper bead necklace by the ladies of Acholi Beads.  And [...]

these beads would look great with hemp necklace.s

[...] bad highlights}, and all girls need some fabulous chunky beads so I gave her a bead necklace {bead idea found here, made from same newspaper pulp as hair}.  She’s funky … and maybe a little ugly in a [...]

Prettier beads than any I’ve seen for weeks of looking at the car boot sales. I’ve trawled through hundreds of pots of old beaded necklaces and can’t find any I like.

I think it’s time to make my own!

Thanks for the inspiration!

WOW! I’m trying this today. My question is how is she able to make the beads so earthy looking? Is there a special method to achieving this look?:)

[...] How to Make Beautiful Beads From Recycled Newspaper: This is a pretty interesting way to recycle paper, use the beads to make jewelry or embellish projects. [...]

greatest idea i have ever heard!!! i alway spend so much on jewelry!! if i want to make beads necklace with recycled newspaper, looks like the picture here: http://www.jewelryvogue.com/store/necklaces/unique-generous-poly-necklace
how to make it bright?? any info would be appreciated.

those look awsome

I just LOVE these earthy crafts. Reuse, repurpose, reduce, recycle, love it! Yesterday’s news, tomorrow’s necklace!

[...] that its been all at once. Just a little bit at a time.  About a week or so ago we started making recycled newspaper beads. It took several days to make it, basically because it was just perfect to do a little bit a day [...]