Here is a FREE Printable Template for 5 Round Paper Beads, the perfect addition to your paper bead DIY projects. This downloadable .PDF file comes ready to print, allowing you to easily create your own unique paper beads at home. One page prints 5 beads (3 strips each).
Whether you're a seasoned paper bead maker or just starting out this template is FREE for you!
STEP ONE (CUTTING): First, print out the template, and cut out one of the bead sections...There are 3 pieces per bead). Using scissors, or razor tool, cut each piece. Lay the 3 pieces down in order from skinny to wide ends.
STEP TWO (Wrapping): Starting with the wide end, begin wrapping the paper around a bead roller, knitting needle, or skewer. When you get to the end, dab a "tiny" bit of glue under the end of the piece, then finish rolling it, pressing the extra glue out, onto your finger. Hold the end down for about half a minute to let it set. You can wipe your finger off with a napkin or baby wipe while waiting.
Next, line up the second piece next to the seam of the first piece, and add a "tiny" bit of glue. Hold the second piece in place for a moment so it wont pop off while wrapping it. Continue to wrap the second piece. Repeat this paragraph with the 3rd piece. When done rolling, put a "tiny" bit of glue under the end, finish rolling, then hold the end down for about half a minute to let it set.
STEP THREE (GLAZING): You will want to protect your bead by giving it a hard finish that's water-resistant. So, once your bead is rolled, you can brush on some varnish (I recommend a Polyurethane Water-Based Varnish), or finishing glaze of some sort. (Or if you feel adventurous you can coat it with UV resin, but that's a whole process in its own.) Once the glaze is dried (or cured), your bead is ready.
Paper beads can be used to make jewelry, ornaments, keyrings, and many other uses.
This template can also be imported into certain image editing programs such as Photoshop to edit the colors, patterns, etc.
Regular paper can be used, but will most likely yield a smaller bead. For best results I recommend a heavier presentation paper, matte, about 44 pound in weight. If you want to go the extra mile, after cutting the bead sections out from this template, and before rolling them, you can color the edges with a yellow marker so that when the bead is rolled up you wont have white edges - this makes for a more professional and uniform appearance.
Stay tuned for my upcoming tutorial video where we'll demonstrate using these templates to create stunning round paper beads for your next project.
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