AnielskaAniela: A Blog for Sewing Lovers and DIY Enthusiasts: Craft Ideas

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. 💛

2/21/2025

Creating DIY jewelry is a fun and rewarding craft, and one of the easiest ways to make a stunning necklace is by using a hot glue gun, dried flowers, and glitter powder. This tutorial will guide you through making a gorgeous glue necklace that looks stylish and unique. Whether you want a nature-inspired piece or something dazzling with glitter, this method allows for endless creativity.

Materials Needed

To make a hot glue necklace, gather the following materials:

Hot glue gun and glue sticks – The primary material for creating the pendant shape and securing decorations.
Dried flowers (pressed or small whole flowers) – Adds a natural, delicate touch to the necklace, creating a unique aesthetic.
Glitter powder – Enhances the pendant’s visual appeal with a sparkling effect.
Parchment paper or silicone mat – Prevents the hot glue from sticking to your work surface.
Necklace chain or cord – Allows the pendant to be worn as a necklace.
Jump rings and clasps – Essential for attaching the pendant to the necklace chain.
Tweezers – Helps place dried flowers and other small decorative elements with precision.
Scissors – Used to trim excess glue and refine the pendant shape.
Acrylic paint (optional) – Provides additional color or design elements if desired.
Resin or clear nail polish (for sealing, optional) – Adds a protective layer to enhance durability and shine.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Hot Glue Necklace

1. Prepare Your Work Area

Choose a clean, flat surface and cover it with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent the hot glue from sticking to your table.

2. Heat the Glue Gun

Plug in your hot glue gun and let it warm up for a few minutes. Use high-quality clear glue sticks for the best results.

Melt glue on baking paper the size of a small spoon

Shape the Pendant Base

Squeeze hot glue onto the parchment paper in your desired shape (circle, oval, heart, or abstract forms).
Let the first layer dry slightly before adding the next to create thickness.

4. Embed the Dried Flowers

Place the dried flowers onto the warm glue using tweezers.
Add another thin layer of hot glue on top to encase the flowers.

5. Add Glitter and Decorative Elements

Sprinkle glitter powder over the hot glue before it cools.
Use small decorative beads or metallic flakes for extra shine.

Pour another layer of glue and flatten with the help of a piece of baking paper

Iron it completely flat

Once cooled, separate the necklace from the baking papers

Trim and Shape

Once the pendant is fully hardened, trim the edges using scissors for a polished look.

To get a more crystalline transparent look of the necklace paint with clear lacquer

Warm up the hook with the help of a lighter and mount the heated hook in the necklace

Thread the chain through the eyelet from the necklace add the clasp and you are done !

Design Ideas and Variations

Pressed Flower Look

Use flat-pressed flowers for a more delicate and elegant appearance.

Galaxy Effect

Mix different shades of glitter and metallic flakes to create a cosmic vibe.

Glow-in-the-Dark Necklace

Use glow-in-the-dark glitter or paint for a fun nighttime accessory.

Resin-Like Finish

Apply multiple layers of clear glue or resin for a glass-like pendant.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why is my pendant breaking easily? A: Ensure the layers of glue are thick enough and use a sealing coat for added strength.

Q: How do I prevent air bubbles in the glue? A: Work slowly and use a toothpick to pop bubbles before the glue hardens.

Q: Can I use fresh flowers instead of dried ones? A: Dried flowers work best, as fresh flowers contain moisture that can cause issues with adhesion.

Beautiful Necklace

Creating a hot glue necklace with dried flowers and glitter powder is an easy and enjoyable DIY project. Whether you’re making a personal accessory or a handmade gift, these necklaces add a touch of creativity and uniqueness to your jewelry collection. Try experimenting with different shapes, colors, and decorations to craft your own one-of-a-kind masterpiece!