Wednesday, March 2

Craft: Paper Bead Necklaces



There are many crafts that are made with recycled paper. While visiting my sister I was able to shop at a Ten Thousand Villages store. The crafts that are made there by artists in developing countries, some using recycled materials like paper, were amazing- coiled paper baskets, bags, jewelry and more- it was all very impressive.



Using that as our inspiration, we tried our hand at making recycled paper bead necklaces recently. The materials for the activity include: magazine pages, scissors, glue stick, damp sponge or cloth, work mat, pencil, yarn and a darning needle (or children's needle).



The beads were made from pages of a magazine. I decided to cut the inch-wide triangle shaped pieces beforehand. The more colorful the better!




To make the beads, my daughters applied glue, stopping about an inch from the widest end so that the bead would slide off the pencil after being rolled.





Next, starting at the widest end, glue side up, we rolled the paper.




After the paper was rolled, we applied glue to the tip of the triangle if needed. We then slid the bead off the pencil and trimmed the edge when needed (some of my youngest daughter's were unevenly rolled but this could be fixed just by trimming the ends). If the pencil got glue on it or fingers got sticky we used a sponge or cloth to wipe clean.



After cleaning off hands, we got out some yarn and a needle and set to stringing the necklaces.
I tied a large knot at the end in hopes of preventing beads from sliding off (that can be so frustrating!)




We made extra beads to add to our bead collection for future necklace making. The magazine also has a permanent spot at the art cupboard to encourage more bead making and whatever else they may be inspired to make.



I feel a project such as this, allows my daughters to participate in the process of making something from very basic materials into something much more. I hope it encourages more creativity and an appreciation and openness to recycling and reusing beyond the recycling box.

9 comments:

Stephanie said...

Wow! What a great idea! I'm going to have to try this with my % year old! I think she will like it! :)ch

Anne said...

Thank you for posting about these - I remember making them with my grandma. :) I think the kids in my class would love to make them, too!

Counting Coconuts said...

I love paper beads - each is so unique and beautiful. I've just shared this post on my Counting Coconuts Facebook page. Thanks for the wonderful idea!

Montessori Beginnings said...

Love this idea. Another one to bookmark!

Regina @ Chalk In My Pocket said...

These are lovely! I was wondering if I could use a photo for my Friday Finds feature, it would link back to your post of course. :-)

Amy said...

Hope I'm not too late, Regina. Yes, of course. I enjoy your blog also!

Rashmie said...

Found your blog today when I was looking for some upcycled craft projects to link to in my today's post.
What a lovely 'green' craft! My daughter will love doing this.

Pls have a look at the blog post to that I have linked to:

http://mommylabs.gorgeouskarma.com/art_craft_projects_kids/upcycle-cardboard-boxes-into-city-skyline-vista/

mickey said...

Love your idea ..Wonderful to try with kids !!

I made once with woollen balls and beads but that was too time consuming...

www.kiboomu.com said...

We think this is a great craft for Earth Day. Definitely going to feature it on our site!

all the best,
Sherry + Wendy @ Kiboomu