You might remember making paper beads when you were a child. They really have taken on a new twist with crafters. You can use all kinds of paper: magazines, books, handmade, wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, painted paper... For this example I used thin scrapbooking paper. It was one sheet of 8.5 x 11. I have seen some that people have made by writing a verse or message on the paper first before cutting. Although you don't see the message, it has a secret message or meaning to them.
One down side to making paper beads is having to cut the paper into strips. This is completely doable by hand but it does take time. I made a Cricut file to cut the paper for me, making it so much easier! This file uses the entire sheet of 8.5 x 11 paper with just a small piece on either end that doesn't get used.
After the paper is cut, I wrapped them around toothpicks and used a very small (I mean minuscule) bit of glue. Leaving them on the toothpicks to dry, I then coated them with Mod Podge twice. Then you can string them as you wish. Keep in mind if you are going to use other beads with them, make sure the beads are large enough not to get lost into the paper bead hole.
