I first saw this type of paper bead in a library book, but instructions for making paper beads abound on the web. In fact, there are a number of African groups, including these women in Uganda, that make paper beads to earn a living and get out of the slums. If you don’t want to roll a lot of paper yourself, you definitely could order some from them.

Once I saw these beads, I thought, “Wouldn’t those make an awesome garland for a Christmas tree." Here we go:

Find full color adds in magazines and slice them into triangles. Mine were 2 inches on the base, but you can experiment with width and length. Once I had them rolled, with about an inch left, I added a strip of glue and finished rolling. Any excess glue was rubbed over the surface as it dries clear.

I used a knitting needle to wrap the paper around, but the Ugandans use a sewing needle. It depends on the size of the hole you want. I’m going to string these onto twine, so I need a pretty big hole.

Here are some different beads that came from various ad spreads. You want a lot of color.

You can put 2 coats of varnish on these for a wood bead look, but I was happy with them and since no one will be wearing them, they didn’t need the extra protection.

And here they are strung and placed on the Christmas tree:

I’m going to do some experiments with homemade paper in the future as well, so stay posted.

Ex amore victoria!
Ryan