How to Make Paper Beads

DIY Paper Bead Earrings with Altered Papers

How to make paper beads and paper bead earrings! Gather your altered papers—whether you’ve dyed, painted, Gelli printed, or used Momigami, Suminagashi, or National Geographic CitraSolv techniques. It’s time to turn these unique pieces into works of art: paper beads for handcrafted earrings. Let’s get started and make something beautiful!

How to Make Paper Beads

Materials Needed: (Picture Includes Earring Materials)

See the earring material list further down in this Blog

• Paper: Your unique altered papers, scrapbook paper, magazine pages, flyers, or any thin paper. (The thinner the paper, the smaller the bead in diameter.) I’m using 20-lb copier paper.
• Cutting Tools: Paper cutter, scissors, or X-Acto knife.
• Rolling Tools: Toothpick (round, not square), bamboo skewer, bead roller.
• Adhesive: Elmer’s glue or any white glue.
• Finishing: Modge Podge, Clear nail polish, or a suitable sealant for beads.
• Styrofoam: or something to hold your wet paper beads on toothpicks.

Optional Tools: Emery board, clear tape.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Choosing the Paper

a. Select Your Paper:

• Your altered papers, scrapbook paper, magazine pages, or flyers.
• Varying paper weights determine the overall size of your bead. Thin paper = thinner bead, and thick paper = thicker bead. In the video, I’m using 20-lb copier paper.

2. Cutting the Paper (Types of Beads)

a. Basic Cylindrical (Tapered) Beads:

• Cut strips of paper 1 inch wide at one end and tapering to a point at the other end.
• Typical lengths: 8 to 12 inches.
• Use a paper cutter, scissors, or an X-Acto knife.

b. Rectangle Beads:

• Cut 1/2 inch wide, and do not taper to the end.
• The exact width throughout.

c. *Round Beads:

• Cut strips with both ends 1 inch wide and the middle part narrow to 1/2 inch.
• Length: 10 to 12 inches.

d.*Disc/Saucer Beads:

• Cut strips with one end 1 inch wide and the other 1/4 inch wide.
• Length: 6 to 8 inches.

*These bead styles are not shown.

3. Rolling the Beads

a. Using Coffee Stir, Bamboo Skewer, or Toothpicks:

• Place the wide end of the paper strip on the stir/toothpick/skewer.
• Roll the paper tightly around the stir/toothpick/skewer, keeping the strip centered.
• Apply glue to the last 1/2 inch of the paper and finish rolling.
• Hold for a few seconds until the glue sets.

b. Using a Bead Roller:

• Slide the wide end of the paper strip into the slot of the bead roller.
• Roll the paper, keeping it centered.
• Apply glue to the last 1/2 inch of the paper and continue rolling.
• Let the bead dry for a minute on the roller before removing it. 

I got my bead roller on Amazon https://amzn.to/45M180T

Creative Rise participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you from qualifying purchases made through links on our site.

4. Finishing the Beads

1. Smoothing Edges:

• Your bead should be rolled evenly; sometimes, the edges will stick out from the top. Gently trim them with scissors or sand them with an emery board. The goal is to have a balanced and tightly rolled bead.

2. Apply a Sealant:

• Insert a toothpick into the bead for easier handling.
• Use Modge Podge or clear nail polish or a suitable sealant.
• Apply the sealant evenly, place the toothpick in the holder, and let it dry completely.

5. Troubleshooting Common Bead Making Issues

1. Bead Comes Off-Center

• Unroll to the last straight point and re-roll.
• Make sure the strip is centered while rolling.

2. Paper Slips While Rolling

• Fold the end of the paper slightly before inserting it into the roller.
• Use clear tape to secure the paper to the roller.

3. Bead Shape Issues

• Adjust the pressure while rolling to maintain a consistent shape.
• For round beads, ensure the strip narrows evenly towards the middle.

6. Advanced Techniques and Experiments

1. Layering Paper

• For thicker beads, use multiple layers of paper strips.
• Glue the ends of the strips together and roll them as a single piece.

2. Adding Grommets

• Insert grommets at the ends of the bead for a more polished look.
• Secure the grommets with glue and let dry.

3. Creating Different Shapes

• Experiment with different paper strip shapes and widths.
• Combine multiple strips for unique designs.

Additional Tips

• Save Your First Beads: Keep your initial beads as a reminder of your progress.
• Bead Roller Investment: If you enjoy paper bead making, consider investing in a bead roller for easier and more consistent results. I got mine on Amazon https://amzn.to/45IY1Xd
• Storage: Store finished paper beads in a dry place to prevent damage.

How to Make Paper Bead Earrings

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Materials Needed:

• Set of paper beads
• 2-2″ Headpins
• Miscellaneous supplies to embellish your earrings, such as glass and metal beads.
• 2-4mm jump rings
• Wire cutters
• Round Nose plyers
• Flat Nose plyers
• Ear Wires (or make your own) See my video on making ear wires
• Sealer and brush

Optional: The Beadsmith 1-Step Looper Pliers, 2.25mm, 24-18g Craft Wire, Instantly Create Consistent Loops for Rosaries, Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces, and Wire Jewelry in One Step.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RIz1tx This tool is AMAZING! I just got it and love how it works as I make my earrings.

Creative Rise participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you from qualifying purchases made through links on our site.

Assembling Paper Bead Earrings

The design options are limitless.

Watch the Paper Bead Earrings Tutorial video for in-depth details on assembling and creating your own wearable art.

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Access downloads: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1f5IMIVFjreSqHEGKdLzcGWSuGOJZdVOM?usp=sharing

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How to Make Earring Wires 2 Different Ways

How to Make Paper Earrings with Momigami & Altered Papers