Olive Paper Beads Torsade

Posted on Feb 10, 2010 in Paper Bead Creations | 12 comments

This necklace came about by experimenting how to do what I call a permanent torsade.  A torsade is usually done by twisting several strands of beads and then fastening the clasp to keep the torsade in place.  I find that when you strung them with wire and twist them, it stays in place and would lay beautifully on your neck.  I made this necklace with the extra small olive beads and glass beads.

I would like to try this with pearls and gem stones and maybe in white olive paper beads.

I have not done any video tutorial for this project, I thought that if there is enough request for a video tutorial then I would have to make time to do it.  So, please let me know if it is worth doing a tutorial on how to do this very easy simple style of making a torsade necklace, I need at least 15 requests for a tutorial, you can leave me a comment or email me.

Here’s My Heart w/ Paper Beads Necklace

Posted on Feb 9, 2010 in Paper Bead Creations | 3 comments

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and what a great way to make use of paper beads in gift giving.  It is thoughtful, inexpensive and unique.  Did I say a conversation piece?  Or I had you at paper beads?  LOL! Anyway, a year ago I did a video tutorial on rosary loops, this type of design in making a loop is used in making rosary beads, therefore, the name rosary loops.  I got this perfectly round red paper beads with a hint of purple around the edges, that I thought would be perfect for this project.

The materials are small round paper beads, your choice of color.

I used one inch 22 gauge silver eye pins or a less expensive version of just plated findings.

The pendant is glass enameled by ckoop beads.

Here is the video tutorial on how to make rosary loops.

Here is your finished Here’s My Heart With Paper Beads Necklace.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Peter, Peter Pumpkin Paper Bead Bracelet

Posted on Feb 8, 2010 in Paper Bead Creations | 3 comments

This is such a fun, whimsical bracelet.  It reminds you to be lighthearted and stay young at heart, not to take life too seriously.  I love this bracelet and had fun making it.  I collect old children books and the text that I transferred into the spacer bar holding the strands of paper beads is from one of the pages.   The spacer bar I formed into a rectangle out of paper clay, if you do not have access to paper clay you can use any kind of clay available at craft stores.  They are very light and goes well with paper beads.  I use the 7-8mm round paper beads.

It is reversible and you can use the other side without the text.

Lantern Festival Paper Bead Bracelet

Posted on Feb 7, 2010 in Paper Bead Creations | 2 comments

I was inspired by Lisa of Sweet and Spicy Designs, to make a Chinese Lantern Bracelet made with 3d stickers and small round paper beads. Lisa’s daughter Ana Claire is so adept now at making paper beads with her little hands.  Here is Ana Claire wearing the earrings that they made!

Lisa and Ana Claire is planning on a paper beading party to celebrate the Chinese New Year, how fun is that.  We hope to see some pictures soon.

Here is a step by step photo of my Chinese Lantern Bracelet.

Stickers I bought at a scrap book store.

To stabilize the stickers, I fashioned a backing out of the paper clay, if you do not have access to paper clay, any kind of clay or a heavier post card will do. I painted it red with acrylic paint.

I used red glass pearls and small round paper beads in yellow and red to coordinate with my lanterns.

I strung it on .8mm elastic

And there you have it, Chinese Lantern Bracelet

Here it is on the wrist

It is just a fun happy bracelet.  I wish I know how to say Happy New Year in Chinese.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Bird of Paradise Inspired Paper Bead Necklace

Posted on Feb 5, 2010 in Paper Bead Creations | 2 comments

I don’t know if you are like me, who finds inspiration in everyday things. When I take my walks in the morning, I am always greeted by beautiful bird of paradise blooms. They look so regal and just happy. When I saw the orange colored paper beads, I knew I had to name this necklace Bird of Paradise.

I used a three dimensional sticker from a scrap booking store, for backing and support, I cut out a rectangle from a poster board and put a strip of paper clay on the sides so it looks like a frame.  I threaded a wire through the poster board and made a loop.  You don’t have to use the foam board, you can just use any kind of clay or a thicker board to use as backing for the sticker.  I painted the backing with acrylic paint after, and coated the paper with diamond glaze or any medium of your choice.

For the neck chain I threaded a suede chord through chain and finished it by knotting silver beads.  It was not necessary to put a clasp, this way you can wear it in its full length and just slip it over your head or pull the two chords for a shorter or choker style necklace.

Here it is worn long.

Or as a choker

You can never go wrong with paper beads.  It is hand made by you and therefore unique.  I hope I have inspired you to make something today.