National Park Paper Beads

Every year, my sister sends Beau a calendar for Christmas.  As she knows of his love for the National Parks, they frequently follow this theme. As was the case for the 2012 Calendar. It was beautiful scenic of 13 National Parks.

As we moved into 2013, Beau emerges from his closet wanting to know if I'd like to have the old calender.     Hummm.  I certainly don't want those glorious colors going to waste.  Hummm.    I could turn it into beads.  Decision made.

Making these beads, although a bit time consuming, is very easy.  First, I recommend a heavy glossy paper.  Lighter papers will fall apart when they get damp.    Measure your paper to be a sharp rectangles.  I measured my at the inch mark on one side and the 1/2 inch mark on the opposite.  (1/2 - 1-1/2 etc).

And then, cut out our triangles. 

For these beads, I used Modge Podge for the glue.   Any white glue works just as well.  

First, roll under a tiny edge to form the bead hole, and then butter the backside of the paper.   Sometimes I'll use a small nail to form the bead around.  This gives you a little more control over how large or small your bead opening.  

 And then, just roll it up.  When I get is the end, I generally apply another coat of Modge Podge to the outside to further hold it in place and increase the shine.

As you finish, lay them out on a sheet of waxed or freezer paper to dry - it takes about an hour.  

I typically do a few each time I go out to the kitchen (way to frequently).  There is enough paper here to create several hundred beads, so it take some time to complete.   What am I going to do with them?  I don't know specifically.  These are suitable for a variety of art projects.   As long as they do not become wet, they are very durable.

I've done this before using painted canvas and heavy fabric, this is the first time I've used paper and I'm pleased with the results.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie