Upcycling Paper into Beads

 Definition: Upcycling is "The practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value". The term was coined in the book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart

Thank you About.com!

Now, I am not sure if what I recycle qualifies as Upcycling because Calendar Art can be quite beautiful.  And the more beautiful it is...the more beautiful beads I can create.  Magazines, on the other hand, and unless they are profound, definetly qualify when turned into beautiful beads that can be used in necklaces, bracelets, anklets, ect...as UPCYCLED. 

My husband captured the care that I put into creating a single bead:

Below I am painting the bead with a Sealant.  I let them dry, then paint them again.



My hands look worn to me.



Basking in the Sun



So, there you have it!  I didn't show me cutting the strips of papers, but you can imagine that.  When the beads dry, I string them.  I also pray scripture sometimes when I am rolling them up.  I pray for friends, family, neighbors, and also for whoever will wear these beads.            

Proverbs 3:3 Don't ever forget kindness and truth. Wear them like a necklace. Write them on your heart as if on a tablet.

I have been making beads and stringing necklaces for several months now.  I've tested many different materials - papers, strings, glues & clasps - and I feel confident in the product I am now making.  I've opened up an Etsy.com store also and will be sharing the link later this week.  Thanks for reading!  Any feedback is ALWAYS appreciated!