The Making of Paper Beads
Making paper beads is a nice hobby for kids and adults alike can be pretty addicting actually. The love of making paper beads and the need to augment their income is how the community of men and women in the Philippines came together to put up this little cottage industry. You have the best of both worlds when you love what you do and get paid doing it. In just less than a year that they have been doing this, the results and the response of the public has been pretty amazing. The following images will give you a glimpse on how paper beads are being mass produced.
Jun cuts the paper in this heavy duty paper cutter
This procedures requires precision and practice. Jun almost cut his finger off when he forgot to put the safety latch on, definitely not for kids!
Strips of paper from magazines neatly cut up ready to be rolled
The bundled strips of paper is then distributed to the workers to be made into paper beads of different shape and sizes.
Joann designs the shapes and sizes of the finished paper beads
Paper Bead Makers in the Philippines turning out beautiful paper beads
We have been working with the men and women in the Philippines in coming up with making quality paper beads made out from old magazines and catalogs. I am very impressed with the workmanship and the fact that they are not just beautiful and durable but also, that they are made in a clean environment and lightly finished with non toxic varnish. Paper bead making has become popular with women in poorer countries because they have readily available materials; glue and paper. The tool can be anything from hand made dowel to metal wire and lots of patience and time.
While it is true that paper beads can be made by anyone even children, the smaller rounder shaped paper beads require a lot of practice, dexterity and time consuming. In places like the Philippines where jobs are scarce, a country that relies mostly on overseas workers, it is a job that jobless men and housewives supplementing their income appreciate.
Men and Women in Philippines making paper beads
Beautiful paper beads hand made from Philippines
More shapes and sizes can be viewed at aubreysbeads.com
Strands of 10 mm size paper beads
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We celebrated Earth Day!
I am so happy of the response we’ve had at the Earth Day Festival! Quite a few people picked up paper bead strands and were truly amazed at the jewelry you can make out of them. Part of the proceeds of this event will go to school supplies of underprivileged children in the Philippines, school year will open in June which I remember was a rainy season.
paper beads on display at Earth Day
Weather in the Philippines is unpredictable, sunny one minute and rain fall the next. It is quite a challenge sometimes to dry the paper beads.
Strand of paper beads hanging to dry
The women and yes men who makes these paper beads have very good eye on how the print of the magazine pages or catalog would come out as finished bead. They are truly amazing in their dedication to perfecting this craft.
Paper beads made in the Philippines
A basketful of paper beads after they dry
For inspirations and ideas: http://janicemae.etsy.com
Read MoreJunk to Paper Gems
When you say paper bead what comes to mind is kid’s craft, rolling strips of colorful paper and stringing them to make colorful long necklaces. It doesn’t have to be just long colorful necklaces for kids. You can certainly make paper beads in all shapes and sizes – long and thin, small and round, and tiny ones. These different size beads will allow you to design beautiful wearable paper bead jewelry. Today, I have finished these two necklaces made from paper beads.
5 Strand Paper Bead Necklace
Petite Paper Beads Necklace
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