NOTES: Be sure the beads are totally dry before stringing. Let dry completely between painting steps.
Use a paper trimmer to cut strips from magazine pages. (You can also use junk mail or scrapbook paper.)
Cut strips the length of the magazine pages about 1" wide. Using a paper trimmer, cut each strip into two long triangles. Cut a variety of widths for added interest. (The beads can also be made from long narrow strips, not cut into triangles.)
Roll the widest end of strip around a wooden skewer. Keep wrapping the paper around the skewer, being sure to wind evenly and fairly tautly. Every few turns, add a small dab of craft glue.
Keep winding and adding dabs of glue until you reach the end of the paper strip. Add a dab of glue to the end.
Let the glue dry before proceeding.
Paint the beads on skewers using two coats of paint. (We used a blue palette of Desert Turquoise, Coastal Waters, Turquoise Waters, and Peacock Pearl.) Stick the skewers into a sheet of Styrofoam while drying. (For interest on some of the beads, use two different colors, dabbing a bit of the second color on top of the dry first coat of color.)
Let dry, then brush each bead with Triple Thick Gloss Glaze. Let dry on the skewers.
Determine the desired length of necklace. Cut beading wire with wire cutters or sharp scissors, being sure to add at least 3" extra.
String the wire through one crimp bead and then the necklace clasp (toggle-style closure).
Bring the end of bead wire back through the crimp bead.
Pull the wire taut with pliers.
Using a crimping tool, flatten the crimp bead. Cut off the excess bead wire.
String the paper beads, alternating with small accent beads. For the other end of the closure, repeat Steps 9-12 using a crimp bead and the other end of the toggle closure.
Necklace can be doubled over, or used as a bracelet by winding it around the wrist. (See photo: Two long necklaces are shown, below, worn together.)
HELPFUL HINTS
When winding the paper strips, wind evenly and fairly tautly. When working with Triple Thick Gloss Glaze, be sure not to over-work. Thicker paper results in thicker beads.
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