Newspaper Beads
Spherical Shaped Beads from Newspaper
I came accross a really cool blog on turning newspaper into spherical shaped beads – A Story Book Life. I tried to make some, did some trial and error and learned from other people’s comments, mistakes. After several tries, this is how they look like. I would like to share with you how I made mine:
1st Step – you gather newspaper and tear them to tiny bits and pieces, I happen to have the shredder that shreds the paper criss cross and this shreds the paper almost to a pulp. 2nd Step – you boil water and pour it on the shredded paper, just a small amount to start with. 3rd step- you let the paper soak in hot water and try to break them down even more with your hands, I find it so much easier to just use a blender. 4th step – Squeeze the water from the paper and put it in a bowl, then start mixing it with your glue. You can make glue with cornstarch which is what I did or store bought glue. 5th step – you start shaping them into balls and let it harden overnight. The next day, I poke each one with toothpick and let it dry some more. You would like to turn the toothpick from time to time to make sure they do not stick and also reshape the balls as it dries.
The unfinished news paper bead
After they dry and make sure they are hard enough, mine took about two days to dry outside. This is a very time consuming project but the result is a very unique piece of jewelry. After they dry you sand them with fine sand paper or a nail file will also work. And then the fun part; painting it. Helen, the lady who first made this project suggest that for a nicer effect you paint it again after sanding it to give it that mottled color.
The result after sanding and painting twice with another color
I find it easier to just drill holes in them after they dry. Drilling sounds intimadating but it’s not, just use your husband’s drill, and choose the tiniest bit. If not, use the toothpick while drying. And now, you are ready to string your beads into a necklace or bracelet. I would like to try them in gold color or silver, that would come out nice. Mix them with beads that you have.
The finished news paper beads ready for stringing
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