Making paper beads using old magazines is a fun, creative, and environmentally friendly activity to do when you have a little bit of time to spend around the table together. Whether it’s windy, rainy, or snowy outside, these colorful little beads will brighten your day while you make them and brighten your wardrobe when you wear them.
MATERIALS:
Recycled paper, old magazines or newspapers, glue, an old watercolor brush, a straw, scissors, string
TIME FRAME:
15 – 60 minutes
PROCEDURE:
- Take your sheets of recycled paper and cut them into long, thin triangles.
- Once you’ve cut all your pieces, decide which sides you want to show (be on the outside of each bead) and lay each piece with your chosen side facing down.
- Next, beginning at the fat end of your paper triangle, slowly wrap your piece of paper around your straw, rolling it towards the pointy end.
- Once you’ve gotten about 1/3 of your paper rolled, gently “paint’ some glue on the remaining strip of paper and continue rolling until your whole triangle becomes a bead.
- Gently slide your bead off of your straw and begin on your next bead.
REFLECTION:
Did you enjoy making your own beads? How can you use your new beads? How can you make your beads look different or exciting? What other kinds of beads could you make using recycled materials?
CONNECTIONS:
People have been making and using beads as part of currency and culture for over 80,000 years.
TIDBITS:
The first beads are believed to have been made out of snail shells!
TIPS & IMAGININGS:
- Before you roll up your bead, write kind words, positive affirmations or reminders to yourself. Then, once your beads are complete, you have a secret message to yourself (or someone else) that no one knows about!
- What special occasions could you make recycled paper bead jewelry to give as gifts?
xoxo,
M
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