Five Strand Paper Beads and Gemstones Bracelet

Posted on Dec 21, 2009 in Paper Bead Creations | 2 comments

Gem stones and paper beads, who would think they would look good together?  I look at these tiny round paper beads and they almost look like little shells or wood beads.  I love mixing them with crystals, pearls and gem stones because they make a certain piece of jewelry special.  I could wear pearls or crystals by themselves but that makes it ordinary, add paper beads with it and it becomes a conversation piece.  You can purchase really inexpensive gemstone chips (they are leftovers from cutting the stone), I love just taking “rejects” like that and turn them into something beautiful.  My inspiration is this five strand garnet bracelet.

My “ingredients” for the five strand paper bead and gem stone bracelets:

My main “ingredient” is 5-6mm round paper beads

The other materials you need are: 5 strand clasp, medium stringing material and crimps.   Then, just string and crimp to desired length.

Here it is on the wrist.

If I were to choose between these two, I would picked out the one with paper beads,  how about you?  I would certainly love your feed back.

Here it is close-up.  If you are interested in making the tiny round beads your self, it is easy to do with the metal roller.

I hope this have inspired you today.

“Aide Memoire” Paper Bead Bracelets

Posted on Dec 19, 2009 in Paper Bead Creations | 1 comment

We wake up each day with our fingers crossed that everything will just go smoothly, you get in your car and find that you have a full tank, the kids are not fighting, there was no line at the grocery store, and everything just falls into place like they’re supposed to.  But it’s not always like that, is it?  We get frustrated and start taking it out on other people.  Don’t you just wish that some alarm would just go off in your head to remind you to take a deep breath and look at the bigger picture?  Count our blessings and think of the less fortunate and little annoying things that happen to us on a daily basis in nothing compared to what others are experiencing.  So, instead of tying a red string on my finger to remind me to be patient and not sweat the small stuff, I made these bracelets which I call “aide memoires”  to keep me on track.  You can make one too, your very own reminder.

The very first one I made is with diamond shaped paper beads and seed beads (it’s black at almost look like wood) and I hang the Om sign.  The Om sign is a symbol for Hindu belief and is used in their daily lives.  It is believed that just by uttering the word Om or Aum, it can transport your mind into a state of trance.  For me, it is just like counting 1-10 when you try to control anger or frustration.  When I wear this bracelet, it reminds me to be mindful of others and try not to be irritated over small things.

Here it is on the wrist, Ithink it looks cool and hip!

You can make your “aide-memoire” to whatever you like it to be, it can be a photo of a loved one, or a certain charm or pendant.  Whatever it is make it your very own reminder of how to be a better person.

Making Use Of Paper Bead Spacers

Posted on Dec 17, 2009 in Paper Bead Creations | 4 comments

Yesterday, I made some spacer beads out of a pastry box and painted them with nail polish in irridescent gold color.  I also made some in red and green since it is the season for these festive colors, and they turn out really nice.  I wanted to use them in a necklace preferably a gentleman’s necklace, I am having difficulty making a man’s necklace, for me it’s just the hardest thing to do.  So, I incorporated the paper bead spacers with matted onyx tube beads, seed beads and gemstone chips.  What do you think?

I think the cross pendant from c-koop, looks nice with it.

My inspiration, is a glass catch-all from Spain, a present from a friend.  I love the colors of the glass.

Space Them Out With Paper Beads

Posted on Dec 16, 2009 in How-To's / Tutorials | Comments Off on Space Them Out With Paper Beads

When I feel I need a little “pick me up”, I paint my nails fun colors.  Last night, I decided to take a break from my projects, watch tv, eat dessert and do my nails! So, as I was helping my self to a box of pastries and painting my nails, I thought that the golden yellow color would look nice on paper beads, and the box has a perfect texture for paper beads.  Gone was my intention of not making any paper beads.

And the box of patries

I cut the flap on the box, the whole box can make lots of beads.

I marked the lines 1/4 inch apart and should look like this.  I cut them up into strips and I used the metal paper bead roller

To make things easier for me and for you most specially, here is a video

Here is the finished spacer paper beads.

How are you going to use your spacer paper beads?  Let’s meet up here tomorrow and let’s see what I have come up with.

Ocean’s Paradise Paper Bead Bracelet

Posted on Dec 14, 2009 in Paper Bead Creations | 4 comments

This is one of my absolute favorite bracelets. The vibrant blues, greens & browns remind me of the ocean.

The bracelet consists of a mix of  blue & green shades of India Glass beads, which gives this braclet it’s beautiful chunky look. It is accompanied with bluish colored, Diamond-Shaped paper beads, adding a casual, earthy touch. 

Materials:

3- 1 yard pieces of Wax Cord

2- Coil Connectors

12 to 15- India Glass Beads

12 to 15- Diamond Shape Paper Beads

1- Lobster Claw

1- Jump ring

I stranded the differnt beads onto three differnt pieces of black wax cord and seperated each bead with three knots. I joined the three finished strands with a coiled connector on one side. I decided to braid them together to give the bracelet a more joined, clunky look and then ended it with another coiled connector.  

Enjoy 🙂