How I got started making paper bead jewelry
When people find out I make beads out of paper, they often ask me how I got started. A valid question! I originally started making paper beads because I felt like I was tossing too many catalogues into the recycle bin, without ever knowing if they were actually being recycled. I figured there had to be SOMETHING I could learn how to make with the paper, so I did some quick Googling and stumbled onto paper beads. It took me a few tries to get the hang of it, but I quickly realized that as tedious as the process is, I really enjoy it! The process starts with a magazine, catalogue, paper calendar, poster, or a similar paper product. I cut the pages out, then cut each page into triangular strips. Once the strips are cut, I'll take a single strip and roll it on a toothpick to shape it. I coat it with Mod Podge, an adhesive, and stick the toothpick in a foam block so it will stand up and not touch anything while it dries. I allow the beads to dry for a day or two before coating them with...