Step #1 - Gather a small pile of newspapers from the recycling basket.

Step #2 - Rip the paper into small pieces

Step #3 - Put the pieces of newspaper in a large stock pot

Step #4 - Pour enough boiling water over the paper to cover

Step #5 - Allow to sit for an hour or so

Step #6 - Stir the paper to help break it down a bit

Step #7 - Drain as much water out of the paper as you can

Step #8 - Add enough glue to the paper to help it hold together in a ball shape (any glue that is clear when dry - such as Elmer’s, or PVA)

Step #9 - Roll the paper into round balls being sure to squeeze out as much moisture as you can while rolling (you can make any size you would like)

Step #10 - Let them dry for a few days - rolling them every several hours - until they are completely dry

Here’s a mix of paper & felt beads. I love the look of this mix!

Step #11 - Sand each bead down with a bit of sandpaper to remove rough edges

Step #12 - Drill a hole in each bead that is big enough for the material that you want to string them with

Step #13 - Paint them with left over craft paint

Step #14 - Give them a coat of varnish

Think of all of the different variations that you could make with this technique! The colors & stringing material possibilities are endless! I think some pretty pink beads strung on black velvet ribbon will be my first pamering self indulgence ;)

And… don’t stop at just making beads!

How about…

- Little hearts for a Valentine’s Day banner, or to grace the front of your handcrafted cards

- Tiny beads to make earrings

- Little snowmen with a coat of cream paint - drenched in chunky glass glitter

- A nice chunky key chain made from beads & ribbon

- Snowballs strung on a ripped piece of homespun fabric - to make a snowball tree garland