How to Make Round Paper Beads Super Easy DIY Guide

5/10/2025

How to Make Round Paper Beads Super Easy DIY Guide

  

 

 Welcome back!  If you're into paper crafts and love easy crafts that let you recycle and make beautiful things, you're going to love this. Today, we're diving into the art of paper bead crafting, and I’ll walk you through how to make gorgeous round paper beads step-by-step.

This is a fun, relaxing, and budget-friendly DIY. You only need some basic supplies—many of which you probably already have at home.

Let’s get started!

 

Materials You’ll Need (and Why)

To make your beautiful paper beads, gather the following supplies—each one plays a key role in the process:

• Colored papers (magazine pages, leaflets, newspapers, or printer paper): These form the body of your beads. Choose papers with color and texture to create eye-catching designs.

• Scissors or a rotary cutter: For cutting your paper strips cleanly and accurately. Straight, neat edges help your beads roll smoothly and look polished.

• PVA glue, Mod Podge, or a glue stick: These are used to secure the tip of your paper strip after rolling, so your bead stays firmly in shape.

• Ear buds, bamboo skewers, or knitting needles + tape: These act as your bead roller tool. They help you tightly roll the paper into a round shape with a neat center hole.

• Clear nail polish, Mod Podge, acrylic paints, or marine varnish: These seal and protect the beads, giving them shine, durability, and a finished, professional look.

Free Pattern for Pater  Beads

    Triangle strip template (Download my free PDF pattern!)

 

 

 Choosing & Cutting the Right Paper

This part is creative and totally customizable! The base of a good  bead starts with how you cut your strips of paper. Here’s how to do it right:

    Use magazine pages or gsm cardstock papers for more durability and shine.

    Flip the paper over and draw triangle strips:

        Each triangle should have a wider end at the base and taper to a narrow end of the strip.

   I recommend using my free printable template so you don’t have to guess.

    Cut out the strips using scissors or a rotary cutter for cleaner lines.

 🧡 TIP: The wider end of the paper strip creates a plump, round shape, while longer strips make fatter beads.

 

 

 Make Your Own Bead Roller Tool

No fancy equipment? No problem!

Here’s a DIY method to create a bead roller:

    Take two ear buds, cut off the cotton tips.

    Stick them together side-by-side using adhesive tape.

    That’s it! You’ve got a simple and effective rolling tool.

You can also use bamboo skewers or knitting needles if you already have them at home

 

 Rolling the Round Paper Beads

Let’s roll! This part is actually super satisfying once you get the hang of it:

    Insert the wider end of the strip into your rolling tool.

    Begin rolling the strip tightly toward the narrow end of the strip.

 

    Keep it centered as you go to maintain a nice round shape.

    When you get to the tip, dab a bit of PVA glue, Mod Podge, or even a glue stick to secure the end.

    Gently remove the bead from the roller and set it aside to dry.

Repeat until you’ve made as many beads as your heart desires. 💕

 

 Drying and Sealing

This step is where your paper beads start looking like real jewelry components!

    Place the finished beads on a skewer or toothpick and rest it across a cup or bowl to let them dry without sticking.

    Once dry, coat your beads with:

        Mod Podge (easy and gives a nice shine)

        Clear nail polish (fast and affordable)

        Marine varnish (super durable and long-lasting)

        Or even acrylic paints for added color pop!

 

 Tricks & Fun Facts

Here are a few extra tips to help you along:

    The art of paper bead crafting dates back centuries and was popularized again in the 1920s as a women's home craft.

    Try different paper textures—newspaper beads give a soft vintage look, while magazine pages create bright, glossy effects.

    Use gsm cardstock papers for chunkier, more durable beads.

    Store your finished beads in a small container or old jam jar with silica to keep them dry.

    Add essential oils to your Mod Podge for scented beads (yes, it works!).

 

 

From Scraps to Stunning 🎨

And there you have it—your very own collection of handmade, one-of-a-kind paper beads! Whether you're crafting jewelry, decorating gift tags, or simply enjoying the meditative process, paper bead making is a beautiful reminder that creativity doesn’t need to cost a thing. With just a few recycled materials and a bit of imagination, you can turn everyday paper into something truly special.

I hope this guide inspired you to get rolling (literally!). Don’t forget to grab the free triangle strip template, and feel free to share your creations—I’d love to see what you make. Happy crafting, and until next time, keep creating and finding joy in the little things. 💛

 

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How to Make Macrame Knots Bracelets Easy DIY Tutorial

5/05/2025

How to Make Macrame Knots Bracelets Easy DIY Tutorial

 

 Hey there!  If you're looking for a fun DIY project that's both relaxing and rewarding, making a simple macrame bracelet is a fantastic choice. If you're new to the world of macrame jewelry or have some experience, this guide will walk you through creating a beautiful bracelet using basic macrame knots, specifically the square knot, and finishing it with a sliding knot closure.

 

 

 

 Before we dive in, let's gather our supplies:

    Macrame cord: You can use bamboo cord, embroidery floss, embroidery thread, or linen cord. For this tutorial, we'll use linen cord.

    Beads: About 10 beads of your choice to add flair to your bracelet.

    Scissors: A sharp pair to cut your cords.

    Measuring tape or ruler: To measure your cords accurately.

    Optional: Macrame boards or a clipboard to hold your work steady.

 

 

  Step 1: Preparing Your Cords

    Cut two pieces of cord:

        One piece measuring 100 cm.

        Another piece measuring 52 cm.

    Fold the 100 cm cord in half, creating a loop at the top. This will serve as the base of your bracelet.

    Place the 52 cm cord under the two middle strands of the folded cord. This shorter cord will be your knotting cord.

 

 

 Step 2: Creating the Square Knot

 

 

The square knot is one of the most basic macrame knots and forms the foundation of many macrame bracelet patterns.

    

 add beads to center cord

 

 

Start with the right cord:

        Fold it over the middle strands and under the left cord.

    Then take the left cord:

        Pass it under the right and middle strands and through the loop on the right side.

    Pull both cords tightly and slide the knot up to the top.

    Now, reverse the process  :

        Fold the left cord over the middle strands and under the right cord.

        Take the right cord under the left and middle strands and through the loop on the left side.

    Pull tightly to complete the square knot.

    Repeat these steps—right, left, right, left—to continue forming your bracelet.

 

 

 Step 3: Adding Beads

To add some sparkle and personality to your bracelet:

    After every 7 square knots, slide a bead onto the filler cord (the middle strands).

    Continue knotting as before, ensuring the bead stays in place between the knots.

    Repeat this process until you reach your desired length.

Step 4: Measuring and Finishing the Bracelet

    Measure the bracelet around your wrist to ensure it fits comfortably. Remember to account for the sliding closure which will add some length.

    Once you've reached the desired length, tie an overhand knot at the end of the cord to secure your work.

Step 5: Creating the Sliding Closure

A sliding knot allows your bracelet to be adjustable, making it easy to put on and take off.

    Shape the bracelet into a circle, overlapping the ends.

    Use scraps of cord to temporarily tie the overlapping ends together.

    Take a new piece of cord, about 25 cm long, and center it under the overlapped strands.

    Begin tying square knots around the overlapped strands, just as you did for the bracelet body.

    Continue knotting until you've covered about half an inch.

    Sew the knotting cords into the backside of the closure to secure them.

    Remove the temporary ties.

    The overlapped strands now serve as the adjustable ties of the bracelet.

    Adjust the bracelet to fit your wrist and tie an overhand knot at each end.

    Trim any excess cord.

    Optionally, add beads to the ends of the cords for a decorative touch.

Tips and Tricks

    Different color cords can add a unique flair to your bracelet. Experiment with combinations to find your favorite macrame designs.

    Using a macrame board or clipboard can help keep your work steady, especially when working on intricate patterns.

    If you're new to basic knots, practice the single knot, spiral knot, and head knot to expand your skills.

    For a more durable bracelet, consider using waxed cotton cord or nylon cord.

    Always ensure your knots are tight and even for a polished look.

 

 

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♻️ DIY Eco-Friendly Paper Gift Bags: A Simple Guide

4/25/2025

♻️ DIY Eco-Friendly Paper Gift Bags: A Simple Guide

 

 

 

 In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, finding creative ways to reduce waste while adding a personal touch to our gifts has never been more important.One delightful and eco-friendly solution is crafting your own paper gift bags using recycled materials.Not only does this approach minimize environmental impact, but it also allows you to infuse each gift with a unique, handmade charm.

Let’s get crafty, sustainably!

 

📦 Materials You'll Need

• Recycled Paper: Old packaging, paper bags, magazines, or any sturdy paper.

• Adhesive: Glue stick or adhesive tape.

• Scissors: For cutting the paper to size.

• Hole Punch: To create holes for the handles.

• String or Ribbon: For the bag handles.

• Ruler and Pencil: To measure and mark folds accurately

  

Essential Materials	Optional Tools
Recycled paper (cereal boxes, paper bags, magazines, etc.)	Hole punch
Scissors	String, ribbon, or twine
Glue stick or adhesive tape	Decorative elements (e.g., dried flowers, washi tape)
Ruler and pencil	Stamps for personalization

 

Choosing the Right Paper Packaging

Not all recycled paper is created equal. Here’s what to look for:

• Durability: Choose paper with enough thickness to hold small to medium-weight gifts.

• Texture: Matte papers are easier to work with than glossy ones.

• Design Potential: Look for colors, graphics, or patterns that fit your theme.

• Cleanliness: Avoid greasy, wrinkled, or heavily printed areas that might smudge.

Great sources include:

• Paper grocery bags

• Old calendars

• Magazine pages

• Maps

• Product packaging boxes

 Paper Thickness vs. Gift Weight

Paper Type	Recommended Gift Weight
Cereal Box Cardboard	Small to Medium (up to 1 kg)
Paper Bags	Small to Medium (up to 500g)
Magazine Paper	Small (up to 200g)
Maps	Light gifts (up to 300g)

Step-by-Step: How to Make an Eco-Friendly Gift Bag

Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Paper

• Lay your chosen paper flat.

• Decide on the size of your bag (small, medium, large).

• Mark out a rectangle using a pencil and ruler.

• Cut out your rectangle. Standard size: 10" x 14" for medium bag.

Step 2: Create the Main Body

• Lay the paper horizontally.

• Fold the left and right edges toward the center, overlapping by 1 inch.

• Glue or tape the overlap to form a tube.

Step 3: Form the Bottom

• Fold up the bottom edge by about 2 inches.

• Open the fold and press the corners inward to create flaps.

• Fold the top and bottom flaps into the center and glue securely.

Step 4: Form sides

• Fold the sides 2 inches in

 

• Unfold and this time fold inwards

Step 5: Reinforce the Bag (Optional)

• Cut a cardboard rectangle to fit inside the base and glue it in place.

• This makes the bottom sturdier, ideal for heavier gifts.

Step 6: Add Handles

• Punch two holes on each side near the top.

• Thread string, ribbon, or twine through the holes and tie knots inside.

• Alternatively, use glued paper strips for a minimalist handle.

• Tie bow

Step 7: Optional Decorate

• Add washi tape borders or stickers.

• Use stamps for names or seasonal motifs.

• Layer fabric or lace for a textural effect.

Creative Decorating Ideas

• Thematic Designs: Match your decorations to the holiday or event.

• Natural Elements: Glue on dried leaves or pressed flowers.

• Minimalist Chic: Stick to neutral tones with simple accents.

• Color Pop: Use colorful scraps or paint splashes for a fun vibe.

   

   

Tips for Sizing and Proportions

• Small bags: 6" x 9"

• Medium bags: 10" x 14"

• Large bags: 13" x 18"

• Adjust folds proportionally to ensure a stable structure.

• Reinforce with extra layers for larger or heavier gifts.

   Size Chart for Gift Bags

   

  Bag Size	Dimensions	Ideal For
  Small	6" x 9"	Small jewelry or trinkets
  Medium	10" x 14"	Small to medium gifts
  Large	13" x 18"	Larger gifts like books, bottles, or framed pictures

   

Custom Tags and Extras

• Cut shapes from leftover paper for custom tags.

• Punch a hole and thread onto the handle.

• Add a handwritten note or stamp a message.

• Personalize with the recipient’s name.

Decoration Style	Elements
Natural Elements	Dried leaves, pressed flowers, twine
Minimalist Chic	Neutral tones, simple lines, understated designs
Color Pop	Bright scraps of paper, paint splashes, washi tape
Thematic Designs	Seasonal themes, event-based decorations (e.g., Christmas, birthdays)

Benefits Beyond the Gift

• Teaches children about sustainability through crafting.

• Inspires others to reuse and recycle.

• Doubles as a keepsake or storage pouch.

• Can be reused again and again!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using flimsy paper that tears easily.

• Applying too much glue (can cause wrinkling).

• Skipping measurements and ending up with uneven folds.

• Forgetting to reinforce the base if the gift is heavy.

Eco-Friendly Gift Bag Alternatives

• Fabric gift wraps (furoshiki)

• Reusable tote bags

• Glass jars with lids and fabric toppers

• Decorated boxes made from cardboard

 

 Cute and Useful

 By choosing to create your own eco-friendly gift bags, you're not just wrapping a present—you're wrapping it in love, creativity, and a commitment to the planet. These handmade bags serve as a testament to thoughtful gifting and sustainable living. So, gather your recycled materials, unleash your creativity, and let each gift you give be a step towards a greener, more sustainable future.

 

FAQs

Can I use glossy magazine paper?

Yes, but be careful—it’s more prone to tearing and glue smudges. Use double-sided tape for cleaner results.

What glue is best?

A glue stick is neat and easy. For heavier decorations, a glue gun works well.

Can kids do this craft?

Absolutely! It’s a great project for children with some adult supervision.

 

 

 

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