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. 💛