DIY Newspaper Necklace

I made a a necklace from newspaper a few years ago, and it’s one of my favorite pieces of jewelry I’ve created. It’s a bit time-consuming, especially if you attach them with wire like I did, but it’s such a versatile necklace – it matches everything! Check out the following instructions to make your own.
newspaper-necklace-diy

SUPPLIES:

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Mod Podge or other craft glue

paint brush (for glue)

newspaper (I used colorful pages – like comics)

eye pins (I didn’t have any, so I just cut the flat end off of head pins) or something to string the beads onto

jewelry pliers and wire cutter (not necessary if you are stringing the beads)

scissors

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut newspaper into triangular strips. Different size strips will make different bead shapes. Just experiment with a few different sizes to see what you like best. I like the shape the longer strips create, so that’s what I used. The long ones below are about 10″ long and 3/4″ wide at the widest end.

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2. Paint the back side of the strip (the side you don’t want to see) with Mod Podge or glue of choice. Don’t put glue on the widest end of the strip. Start about 1/4″ down. If you cover the wide end in glue, it will be really difficult to roll up into a bead. newspaper-necklace-diy3

3. Start rolling at the wide end. I find it easiest to hold the strip between my fingers like in the pictures below and just keep wrapping the newspaper around. Roll tightly for the neatest-looking bead. It may take a few tries before you get the hang of it and make a pretty bead. You might try wrapping the newspaper around something like a skewer if you find my method to be difficult. Just be sure to take the beads off the skewer before the glue dries.
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4. Let the glue dry, then coat the outside in Mod Podge to waterproof the bead and make it more sturdy. Let dry completely. newspaper-necklace-diy5 newspaper-necklace-diy6

5. Once you’ve created all your beads, slip them onto eye pins and bend an eye hole onto the other end of the wire. You may need to trim the wire down some – it took a little less than 1/2″ of wire for me to create an eye hole. I actually made my own eye pins because I didn’t have any. You could also string your beads. It’d be much quicker and would still look nice. newspaper-necklace-diy7 newspaper-necklace-diy8

6. You’re done! Wear your necklace proudly. The beads would also make a cute bracelet or earrings. newspaper-necklace-diy9

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5 Comments

  1. Posted March 21, 2013 at 5:05 pm | Permalink

    Oh wow! This is really cool. i really want to try out some DIY’s and I think Ill add this to my list.

    <3Chelsea Elizabeth

  2. Naomi
    Posted March 21, 2013 at 6:50 pm | Permalink

    I’m so glad you posted this! I’m wearing a bracelet today out of paper beads and I’ve seen lots of types throughout the past year. I’ve always wondered how they do it! Not to mention the time I tried…and failed.

    Yeah! Thank! Great DIY

    patternedlove.blogspot.com

  3. Posted March 21, 2013 at 8:38 pm | Permalink

    I’ve seen an idea somewhat similar to this someplace, but can’t remember where. Always wanted to try it!

  4. Megan
    Posted March 22, 2013 at 8:47 am | Permalink

    How pretty! I love the way it looks when it’s finished, but I can tell it takes a lot of patience and time – well worth it, though :)

  5. Posted March 22, 2013 at 12:22 pm | Permalink

    Looks cute!!

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  • Hey! I'm Maggie, a graphic designer, crafter, devoted secondhand shopper, Doctor Who fanatic, and dog-lover. Stick around and explore!


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