Rolling paper beads is a traditional craft that has been around since the early 1900’s. I first learned it from my mother who had learned it from her mother.
Victorian ladies would gather to make beads, just as they did with quilting and knitting. It was both a social gathering and a productive activity. These women would use scraps of wall paper and hand roll the beads on knitting needles. They would string them onto long pieces of yarn to make beaded curtains used to separate rooms. Some of their prettier beads were used to make jewelry.
These early paper beads were sealed and preserved using paraffin or bees wax. The rolled beads were dipped into melted wax then rubbed between the palms of their hands to give the beads a little shine. Examples of these early beads can still be found on the internet. And if you’re very lucky,
occasionally in your grandma’s collection of jewelry.
Today, my paper comes from a variety of sources: magazines, church bulletins, scrapbook paper, wall paper and wall border, newspaper and junk mail. Any paper can be used and the resulting beads can have a very different finished appearance.
I cut all of my own paper, roll my beads on tooth picks and secure with white glue. The beads each receive at least two seal coats and two finish coats (Polycrylic) to bring them to a satin or glossy shine. This makes the beads very durable and water resistant.
I have taken this traditional craft and given it a contemporary twist, Cate Tails Creations rolled paper beads are not your grandma's beads. Enjoy!