https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/jungle-beads-necklace • Posted by Tuttle Publishing
This necklace is one I created to go with a new outfit. The idea that flat paper can become a three-dimensional object excites me, and then for it to be functional is a bonus! The reaction of viewers is interesting when I tell them the beads are made from ordinary paper. These instructions are specific to my necklace, but keep in mind that yours will be just as unique if the bead sizes and colors are varied. The weight of the paper I used to make my beads was 120 gsm, but experiment with pa- pers on hand to make beads of a pleasing size. Copy paper works well, as does light- weight cardstock. Cut the strips with the grain of the paper for smooth rolling.
This necklace is one I created to go with a new outfit. The idea that flat paper can become a three-dimensional object excites me, and then for it to be functional is a bonus! The reaction of viewers is interesting when I tell them the beads are made from ordinary paper. These instructions are specific to my necklace, but keep in mind that yours will be just as unique if the bead sizes and colors are varied. The weight of the paper I used to make my beads was 120 gsm, but experiment with pa- pers on hand to make beads of a pleasing size. Copy paper works well, as does light- weight cardstock. Cut the strips with the grain of the paper for smooth rolling.
Make beads: Measure and cut 25 strips of paper as indicated in the Supplies and Tools list. Roll each strip on a bamboo stick.
Glue the end with PVA glue.
The result will be these cylinders that will be our beads in making the necklace.
Hold a bead between the thumb and index finger and use a black marker to draw an animal print design. Turn the bead slowly until the whole bead is covered with the desired pat- tern. Repeat this step with all of the beads except for a few of the 1/2-inch (13 mm) beads.
While holding the shaft of a bead between thumb and index finger, press each end gently into the ink pad to blacken it. Allow the ink to dry completely.
Attach each jungle pattern bead to the corkboard with a toothpick. Spray matte varnish gently, covering all sides. Allow beads to dry and spray again with an extra coat of varnish.
Glue a strip of black paper around the remaining few 1/2-inch (13 mm) beads. Press cov- ered black beads ends in ink pad or leave white.
Apply a small amount of quick-setting craft glue to the end of the fine silver cord. Adhere the cord to one end of a 1/2-inch (13 mm) black bead and hold it in place until the glue sets. Wind the cord around the bead and glue the end in place. Repeat this step with the other black beads.
Thread the sewing needle with eyelash yarn and thread the beads onto the yarn, alternating paper and metal spacer beads. Allow the yarn to fray out between the beads.
Knot the yarn ends at the desired length so the necklace can be slipped on and off over your head. Tips! To determine paper grain, tear a sheet vertically and then hori- zontally. The tear with the grain will be quite straight, whereas the tear against the grain will be more jagged. Make extra beads to experiment with hand drawn designs. It might seem easier to draw on flat strips first and then roll them, but the design would not appear continuous when the strips are rolled.