Decoupage Wood Beads

by Laura Torres | More from this Blogger

25 Jan 2006 06:19 PM

Wood beads decoupaged with tissue paper or tiny images can take on many different looks. These are easy even for young kids with a little help from Mom or Dad. You can buy packages of wood beads at the craft store. They are easy to find, inexpensive and come in all different sizes. You'll want larger size beads for this project so they're easier to work with.

If you don't want to invest in a container of Mod Podge (I love Mod Podge--I use it all the time!), you can make your own glue/sealant by squeezing about a tablespoon of white glue like Elmer's in a paper cup, and adding the same amount of water. Mix it up with a paintbrush or popsicle stick.

You will need:

Large wood beads

Mod Podge or mixture of 1/2 white glue and 1/2 water

Paint Brush

Scissors (small manicure scissors can be handy for cutting out small images)

Tissue paper, wrapping paper, magazine pages or any other paper with interesting color, designs or images

Tear up small strips of tissue paper or wrapping paper. Coat 1/2 wood bead with Mod Podge (or 1/2 white glue/ 1/2 water mixture).

Stick on a strip of tissue and paint over it with the Mod Podge.

Keep adding tissue, overlapping layers until half the bead is covered. Let it dry and then do the other half.

For easy drying, string the beads on a wire or skewer and suspend them over a box or pan so they can dry on all sides.

Ideas to try:

Add letters to spell names, initials or messages

Add small magazine photos of animals or other interesting objects

Add glitter to the Mod Podge

String beads on cord, tying a knot between each bead

String one bead on cord and tie a knot on both sides for a simple bracelet

String beads on a clip to hang from a keychain, belt loop or backpack

Tie them on a package to dress up a present

Learn more about Laura Torres

Laura Torres is the best-selling author of many books for kids and teens, and a party planner. Check out her website at lauratorres.com.

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