In the latest ‘Penny Pinching’ column from Armley’s Susan Denton, this week the ‘Auld Git’ turns junk mail into jewellery.
Do you get a lot of colourful junk mail and wonder what to do with it? Here’s an idea for young and old alike:
Paper Beads
These can be used to make unique pieces of jewellery or they can just be fun to string together, depending in skill levels.
Equipment needed
- Junk mail magazines/flyers
- Pen/pencil
- Scissors
- Glue
- Ruler
- Knitting needle (or similar, to wind paper on)
Method
Mark and cut the paper into strips as shown in the photo. The strips should taper towards the end.
The length, width and amount the strip tapers will determine the finished bead
Take a strip cut of paper and, using the widest end, begin to wind evenly around the knitting needle. Use a small dab of glue to secure the head at the start.
Keeping the strip even, wind to the end, securing with glue. Slide the bead off the knitting needle. Repeat as often as you need.
If creating custom jewellery it is best to seal the beads using varnish or ‘modge podge’ glue.
More penny-pinching tips can be found here.
More next week from the Auld Git! If you have any ideas drop me – Susan Denton – a line at news@westleedsdispatch.com.
Made these with my grandchildren when they were small. Great fun!