Paper Mache Bead Necklace

Hello Readers,

This post is an extension to another type of recycled paper jewelry which i design. 
As kids we might have played with paper mache pulp to form different shapes of animals or make some other craft project.

But this is a more professional version of making paper beads even though most of the steps remain the same.

The procedure to make the paper mache is as below

1. Tear the newspaper or any waste paper in small bits of pieces. Alternatively you can even use the toilet paper roll.
2. Soak them in luke warm water for 20-30 mins. Depending on the thickness of the paper the time for soaking depends.
3. Run them through a grinder to make a soft pulp or use a hand blender to pulp them.
4. Now pour them in a sieve and force the excess water out.
5. Take the paper mache pulp and some white glue to it along with some salt. This protects them from catching fungus.
6. Now knead the paste for a while to turn it into soft clay like consistency.
7. And you are ready to make your beads!

Once your beads are have been rolled out, keep them for drying in a warm place for 2-3 days. If the size is make it may take 4 days also depending upon the weather conditions.

Below is the picture of the dried paper beads.

I have not made a hole in the above beads, but i will used a manual driller for the same. Another option is to make hole using a tooth pick when they are still wet. This needs to be done carefully in order not to spoil the shape of the beads.

I usually sand the beads to give it a more finished look and smooth the edges further since its paper it tends to wrinkle when dried out.

Once you are done with all these steps, let your imagination take wings and paint the beads in the color of your choice or you can even create some designs on it.

Enhancement of the beads for the finished look really depends on your imagination and creativity.

Below is the  finished Paper Mache Bead Necklace. I have combined other plastic beads to complement the look. You can any other alternative beads like metal or glass or faux steel. It depends on your design

Hope this post inspires you to take up the project of paper mache jewelry.
It's available on sale on etsy website, below mentioned is the link

https://www.etsy.com/listing/602630172/paper-mache-bead-necklace?ref=listing-shop-header-1

Do write your feedback and queries on the post.

regards,

Bhawna