Greetings neighbors! Happy 4th of July! Today we will be making paper bead bracelets. These are easy and fun to do with the kids. This idea comes from a bead artist in England by the name of Gilly Maddison. She was kind enough to allow us to use her templates for this craft. I “Americanized” the template for you with some patriotic themes. The links for her fantastic DIY videos and blog are below. Here’s what you will need to make these bracelets:
SUPPLIES
Heavy paper such as card stock, photo paper or scrapbook paper. If you don’t have heavy paper, just double or triple the paper you have and layer it.
Glue such as white school glue, glue sticks or double sided craft tape
Scissors
A popsicle stick, finger nail file or a flat knife
Elastic thread or stretchy beading thread
Mod Podge (for sealer) You can also use spray varnish.
Toothpicks (use to hold the beads while you seal them)
OPTIONAL: Decorative beads
*As usual, I bought enough materials to make a bunch of these so if you need anything, email or text me at: 413-512-3714 and I’ll send you some at no charge (Massachusetts residents only). Everyone else pays $6.45 for shipping and handling.
INSTRUCTIONS
I used the printed out template, but here’s how you can trace on regular paper if you don’t have a printer. 
Cut out the templates. 
Color the ends and around the edges with dark marker if you don’t like the white showing. 
Use a popsicle stick, nail file or knife to start rolling the beads. Fold over the end and roll up. 
Keep the paper centered as you roll upward. 
Use ample amounts of glue to secure the end. Press and hold until it’s dry and stuck down. 
Gently slide the bead off the stick. 
Here are the finished beads.
Now, take your Mod Podge and paint the beads on one side, allowing them to dry for 30 minutes or so, and repeat on the other side. You can also spray the beads with clear varnish. This hardens the paper and makes sure the ink doesn’t smudge on your skin. Watch the videos I’ve linked below where Gilly shows us how to string the beads.
Here are a few templates Gilly made that I decorated for you. If you don’t have a printer, no problem! Just draw out the shape and trace it on the back of your paper of choice. The template should be 1″ wide at the bottom, .50″ wide at the tapered top and 9.25″ long. You can get really creative with these beads. You can paint paper with watercolors and cut out the template for a custom look.
Here are 3 videos Gilly made showing us how to make the bracelets. She even make a patriotic one!
Look over her videos on how to make paper beads. Her website, WWW.FUNCRAFTSTODOATHOME.COM is FILLED with free templates and lots of goodies. You can buy her bead supplies in her Etsy shop here. She’s fantastic!
I’ve made a play list for you so you can learn how to make paper beads. You can binge watch for HOURS! There’s a ton of videos here. Click here for the list.
Ok that’s it my friends! Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
You can easily make a few of these while watching a movie. The only limit is your imagination. I will see you again the first Friday in August. Let me know if you have any suggestions of what you’d like to make. Thanks for watching everyone! Have a great July 4th.
Happy crafting!
Malena Chipps
Creative Consultant for Mass Appeal WWLP Channel 22
P.S. For those of you who want to take it a step further, here is a link to make a fantastic necklace and some more bead templates!
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