life beads 2

life beads 3

life beads

The women of Uganda have learned to create beautiful paper beads out of old magazines and recycled paper. Many of these women are victims of civil war, HIV/AIDS, poverty and hunger. Many organizations have been created to help these women make a better life for themselves by making, selling, and marketing their beads. This is one way that God has provided for them – by giving them artistic abilities so they can make a living and provide for their family.

Throughout history, God has given people the wisdom and creativity to use the fabrics and materials that are available to them to make clothing, as well as other adornments, for themselves. This has created very unique garments, headdresses and jewelry all throughout Africa and around the world.

To view various photos of African beaded necklaces, visit:

http://pinterest.com/tamarahhorton/live-it-a-slice-of-life-in-africa

Let’s give paper beading a try!  Want to?!

What you will need:

  • Strips of African-themed wrapping paper (12″ long, 1/2″ wide at widest end)
  • Styrofoam bowls – both for holding glue and completed beads
  • Elmer’s glue or Modge Podge
  • Toothpicks
  • Paper cutter
  • Paint brush
  • Waxed hemp string (found at local craft store); cut into 18-20″ lengths

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Cut wrapping paper into pieces that are 12 inches long.

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Position paper on paper cutter so that you can cut long, skinny triangles. Wide end should be approximately 1/2″. Cut triangle down to a point at the other end.

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Repeat until you have a sufficient number of paper strips with which to work.

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Here is where it gets a little tricky!  Begin bead by wrapping wide end of paper around toothpick, decorative side of paper out.

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Keep tension on the paper and roll the paper around the toothpick. (Note:  this sounds easier than it is!)

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Once your paper is rolled up into a bead, add a dab of glue to hold bead intact.

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Then coat entire bead to ensure it stays together.  Take care to avoid putting glue on toothpick so that you’ll be able to remove bead from the toothpick once it is dry.

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Stick toothpick into inverted styrofoam bowl and allow bead(s) to dry.  Once dry, the glue gives the paper bead a nice shine.

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Cut a piece of waxed hemp string 18-20″ long.

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String coordinating paper beads and glass or plastic beads.  Use at least 3-5 paper beads per necklace.

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Tie a knot in the end of the string.
Wear your necklace and let it remind you to pray for the women in Africa!