Paper Beads

Paper beads sold at a stall at home to raise money for Unicef

paper beads from 1964 music manuscript recycled into Necklace

paper beads  from cereal box

Necklace made  recycled from cereal box

I started making beads early 2012 to raise money for UNICEF. I involved my local community having a group making session where I showed everyone what to do and then they showed others.
I also enjoyed teaching some groups of children how to make bracelets from paper beads from their favourite cereal box as a fundraiser.

I really love paper beads and feel that having tried and learnt other forms of jewellery making, the paper beads allow for originality and expression,although you have to have patience,they can take a while to make.

Its very relaxing rolling the beads and the paper beads started my love of jewellery making and I have so much I want to learn. So thanks to paper beads.

Its a great project for after xmas when everyone is short of funds and more minded to recycle.
I have photos below of some of my creations which to date  I have made from comics,magazines,music sheet,favourite books, Cheerio boxes. The comic beads were lovely,the colours so bright and the Cheerio beads look like wood.My favourite are the beads I made from books and music sheet.
I also made a lovely necklace from an old map, again the lovely blue of the sea, and brown of the mountains comes out lovely on the beads.

Bracelet and earrings made from music sheet

Music sheet beads,lovely with black crystals

Whats best is that you end up with a totally unique personal piece of jewellery that noone else has.What a great way to make gifts.