Monday, June 11, 2012

Making Paper Bead Jewelry

Lately, you may have seen paper bead jewelry popping up in various places around the Internet or even in boutiques. But, have you ever seen how they are made? We asked Sarah Nalongo, one of our longtime sewing teachers, to show us the process. Step 1: Measure Colored paper, usually made of a heavier weight like poster board or magazine pages, is measured and drawn so that one end starts at the finished length of the bead and then tapers down to nothing. Step 2: Cut The strips of paper are then carefully cut out. Step 3: Roll Sarah takes the strip and begins from the fat end, rolling it as tightly as possible, leaving a small hole in the center. When she gets to the tapered end, it is secured on the bead with a small amount of glue. Step 4: Admire Here is a bead that has been rolled and glued. Step 5: Varnish Next, the beads are strung on fishing line and dipped into varnish to give them a strong and shiny protective finish. Step 6: Dry The beads are hung until they are completely dry. Step 7: Design and String The beads are now ready to string with other combinations of beads to create beautiful pieces of wearable art. The possibilities are endless! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>