Today I thought I would like to try my hand at making some 'Journal Jewellery' with the help of my Helmar glues.
What you will need:
Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive, Helmar Craft and Hobby PVA Glue, skewer (round) scrap papers and a large holed bead. You will also need a scalpel.
I will start by making myself a simple paper beading tool.
Firstly and very carefully, slice the blunt end of the skewer down the middle for about 5cm (2.5").
Once this is done, replace the lid on your scalpel and put it to one side.
Cut a strip of scrap paper about 2.5cm (1") and approximately 20cm (8") long. adhere this paper to the skewer about the 8cm (3") from the end using Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive. This paper forms the 'stopper' to keep your large holed bead on.
Roll the paper around the skewer, placing a little glue every now and then until you get to the end. Secure the end with a little more glue.
Place the large holed bead onto the skewer and then you are ready to roll your first bead. This large holed bead is a helper in case your paper beads need a little help releasing from the skewer once they are rolled.
It is important to note right now that there is no right or wrong size papers to cut to make your beads. Generally you would start off with a triangular shaped strip of paper no less than around 20cm (8") in length tapered to a fine point.
It's a matter of playing around and finding the size and look you want for your beads.
Placing the widest end of a strip of paper through the split on the skewer, roll the paper around with the 'right' side facing out.
Start rolling the skewer for a while and then add a drop of Helmar Craft & Hobby PVA Glue and then continue rolling. Add a little glue at various points to keep the paper secure and in line.
When you reach the end add more glue and run your finger over the end while rolling it so that it is well glued in place.
Once this is done, slide your bead off. Sometimes a bead may stick a little to the skewer so use your large holed bead to help release it from the skewer.
And there you have a paper bead made and ready to be used in your crafting. Use some jewellery findings to decorate it up a little and attach it to your work or thread some on a string for a cute children's necklace. There are many uses for these easy little beads.
If you want to protect your beads for heavy duty use you brush on a little watered down Helmar Craft & Hobby PVA Glue or spray them with Helmar Crystal Kote Gloss Varnish Spray.
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today and I hope you found these two tutorials of some use and try making some 'journal jewellery' for yourself :)
Take care
Jeanette
