How To Make Your Own Beads
Another great way to save money and indulge in jewelry-making is to make your own beads. There are various ways to go about this and it is so inexpensive there is nothing to lose. You can make your own beads from paper, clay, fabric, and even found objects. Handmade and found object beads are great for eclectic, bohemian and mixed media jewelry.
Paper Beads
Paper beads are the simplest and most inexpensive to make. All you need is paper, school glue, a ruler, scissors and a toothpick. You can use almost any kind of paper but it's best to start out with paper from an old magazine or catalog. How To Make Paper Beads
Beads From Homemade Clay
Beads made from homemade clay are very fun and inexpensive to make. There are many recipes for homemade clay, but most involve mixing flour, glue, paint and/or water. Normally these clays can be air dried to a hard finish. The ingredients are safe and easily available yet working with homemade clay has its challenges. Beads made with homemade clay may not look as professional as those made from polymer clay. It also does not seem to hold detail as well because it is a softer clay. How To Make Beads From Home-made Clay
Beads From Polymer Clay
Polymer clay beads are a bit more expensive to make, but they can look very professional and there is so much you can do with polymer clay. Polymer clay is sold in small blocks at craft stores and you don't need many tools to work with it. Polymer clay must be baked once you finish working with it.
Beads From Fabric
Similarly to how you would make a paper bead, you can substitute the paper for a strip of fabric and make fabric beads. These are great for recycling old clothes and using up scrap fabric.
Beads From Found Objects
Many found objects can make interesting jewelry components. Some items found in nature, such as seeds and shells, are excellent for jewelry-making. I was once given a necklace made entirely of naturally colorful seeds. These items are free and the only thing you need to turn them into beads is a drill.
You can also try recycling objects for use in jewelry-making. Bottle caps, soda can tabs, buttons and small pieces of hardware can be used to make interesting jewelry.
You can also try recycling objects for use in jewelry-making. Bottle caps, soda can tabs, buttons and small pieces of hardware can be used to make interesting jewelry.