Paper Bead “Cheat Sheet”

I found a web site that contains more templates for paper beads.  The author calls it a “cheat sheet”.  Since I can’t seem to embed it, I’ll add the link.  The web site is called Cut Out and Keep.    From my laptop I can’t quite seem to read the exact measurements for the beads, but I don’t think it matters.  The goal is the finished shape.

For those of you who make paper beads, I hope it sparks your interests and ideas.

Janet (janettalk)
www.etsy.com/shop/paperchasejewelry

Special Note:  Thanks to everyone at Cut Out and Keep.

Planning for Christmas Projects

It is mid-August, but it is not too early to start saving red and green paper for your recycled paper Christmas gifts. For example, this red toothpaste box has so much potential.

I also love the irony of making paper jewelry from jewelry store advertisements. The paper below should make nice paper beads for Christmas jewelry.

Here’s to all of the recyclers out there!

Janet (janettalk)
www.etsy.com/paperchasejewelry

Beaded Bracelet – Recycled Pink Paper

For summer I created a pink stretch bracelet using recycled paper.

So many people make perfectly lovely stretch bracelets, but for some reason I like stretch bracelets to be a bit on the big and bold side. It still fits tight around the wrist, but the paper beads are larger than most paper beads.

Most people are probably thinking of fall now, and I’m just sharing pink and white.  Oh well, I suppose it is just a matter of vision…..and timing….

Janet (janettalk)
www.etsy.com/shop/paperchasejewelry

Recycling Craft Site

I saw this website and I thought it may be of interest to some of you.  It is CraftBits, and this will take you to their Recycled Crafts page .  There are many ideas.  At least in my opinion, some concepts were better than others.  And since my blog deals in paper beads for the most part, I’ll point out one specific project:  paper bead bobby pin.

Have fun,
Janet (janettalk)

Summer: Local Produce Sites

Fresh vegetables are ripe for the pickin’.  I started thinking about how it is advantageous for both local farmers and consumers to buy food locally if at all possible.  After doing a bit of research I discovered several web sites that may help you find a local farmer / vendor.  This is just a sampling of sites.  I’m sure there are many more.

Local Harvest
Food Routes
Farmer’s Market Search
Rhode Island Local Food Guide
Eat Well Guide (find sustainable, organic food sources)
Pennsylvania (find local food sources)
Pick Your Own information
Texas local farmer’s market information
Ontario Canada local food information
Canadian Organic Growers
United Kingdom

Obviously I do not have personal experience with each site, but you may find a food source you never knew existed.

Janet (janettalk)
www.etsy.com/shop/paperchasejewelry

Paper Beads From a Theme Park Map?

We recently visited a theme park and I kept the map.  (You can see how we folded it while at the park.)  Will the paper be able to stand up to the pitfalls of paper bead making?   We begin with the map.

I’m not sure how long it will take, but I’ll document this as I go.  Thank you for visiting as I look at the potential beads to be made from this used (pre-enjoyed) map.

Stay Tuned,
Janet (janettalk)
www.paperchasejewelry.com

Embossing Powder for Paper Beads

I just watched a video sponsored by Ranger and Utee.  This presentation showed how to use embossing powder to seal paper beads.  I’ve heard of people doing this, but had never seen it done. (And it proves what I have said in the past. When it comes to arts….and crafts….there is more than one way to be creative.)

One thing of note for me: Using resistant ink on the dowel to assist when removing the bead.  This tid bit of information may come in handy in the future. 

If you want to view the presentation,  The link is here.

Have Fun,
Janet (janettalk)
www.etsy.com/shop/paperchasejewelry

Creativity and Your Signature Style – Tim Holtz

I sprinkle the word “creativity” throughout my blog. What a word!  I’m still trying to figure out what that means in my own life.

I recently received a commercial email dealing with creativity that I wanted to share.  It was sent to me by Cloth Paper Scissors, an Interweave company.  The reason I find it worth including in my blog can be said in two words “Tim Holtz.”  Tim is the Creative Director of Ranger Industries.  The topic: Tips for Creating your own Signature Style.

Click anywhere in this sentence to take you to Holtz’ article in clothpaperscissors.com. 

I’ll list just two:  “Experiment. Trying new things is key to developing your style. It’s true that you won’t know what you like until you try it.”
“Look around. While our creative surroundings are full of inspiration, it’s what you take from them to make it your own that’s important.”

I hope this article assists you and me in learning more about our own creativity and signature style.

Janet
janettalk
www.etsy.com/shop/paperchasejewelry

Paper Recommendation

This was written a few days ago:

Since JC Penney’s is changing strategies, their advertisements have changed also.  We receive their advertisements in our local paper.

Why am I talking about department stores?  Their paper makes beautiful paper beads.  It isn’t perfect because it isn’t quite thick enough.  However, the shiny paper has a lot of solid blocks of color.  They can easily only have one model on a page, which does mean a lot of color is available to use in paper beads.  Recycling adds to the positiveness of this recommendation.  And there you have it.  Consider JC Penney advertisements when choosing the paper you can use for your next project.

May 28, 2012 –  Follow-up

Bead shape and paper have a direct correlation.  The beads above are quite useable for jewelry.  The shape works with the paper.  The beads below are a problem.  I may be able to apply ink or something else to help, but you have to admit, they aren’t useable at this moment.

As gentle as I believe I was when cutting and then making the bead, the paper doesn’t reflect it.  The paper was too thin.  Again, I am learning to plan ahead and decide on the end product before I start cutting paper. (who knew? ;-))

Think Creatively and Don’t Forget to Consider your Materials,
Janet (janettalk)
www.etsy.com/shop/paperchasejewelry

Paper Jeweler: Tia Kramer

I enjoy featuring artists and jewelers who produce paper jewelry.  Today I want to share the name Tia Kramer.  Her website is: www.tiakramerjewelry.com.  From her biographic information, her work has been featured in magazines and galleries.   [This is only brief information.  If you are interested in her work, please visit her website.]

Her pieces are geometric and very beautiful.  I wouldn’t classify Tia’s work as paper beads, just paper.  (well, okay, not “just” paper.) 😉

I took this picture directly from her website.  As I said earlier, beautiful.

Even though most of us may never reach this level, I hope you are inspired by this necklace. I am.

Think Creatively,
Janet (janettalk)
www.etsy.com/shop/paperchasejewelry