Did you ever roll paper beads with toothpicks when you were a kid? I just rediscovered this fun, little craft—and making them is kind of addictive.

Just wrap a long, triangular piece of paper around a wooden skewer until you have a bead. Adhere the tail-end of the paper to the bead using a little Multipurpose Liquid Glue, then cover the bead using a thin coat of Mod Podge. Let your bead dry.

After making a few dozen of these little cuties I started to think of Easter eggs . . . and one of our new occasions catalog stamp sets—For Peep’s Sake, item # 138557 – came to mind.

I used the Ornate Tag Topper Punch (item # 137416) on the top and bottom of this Easter favor to create fancy edges.

To make the beads, I used Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper (item # 137784),Best Year Ever Designer Series Paper (item # 138633), and the Rich Razzleberry designs from the Brights Backgrounds Designer Series Paper Stacks(item # 130134).

Beginning at the top of a sheet of 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper, score every inch on one side; on the opposite side, begin 1/2″ from the top and score every inch. Draw diagonal lines between the staggered score lines to create triangles.

The beads don’t have to be rolled up perfectly; their irregular look is part of their charm!

When my friend, Bonnie, saw my paper beads drying, she said that they reminded her of an insect collection. My immediate thought was: butterflies!

There are many ways to make paper beads from Designer Series Paper. Just do an Internet search for “paper bead templates” and you’ll find plenty! P.S. If you use elastic cord to thread your beads, put a dot of Crystal Effects (item # 101055) on the knot and allow it to dry. That will help it stay secure. Have fun!

Cindy B. (Sr. Staff Writer)