I first saw these lovely beads on Jenniebellie's channel a couple of years ago. I did attempt to make some at that time but as I was new to paper crafting other than cards, and was going through my knee prosthesis and back injury trauma during that period...the concept just wasn't able to attract my interest or ability to concentrate for long enough to get many of these made...I have since then made a heap of other paper beads using various methods and love the outcome, so this little project, nudged appropriately by Dorte and Wendy's videos, caught my attention and prompted me to have another try...I needed something simple and pretty mindless to distract me from the travel journal I am making at the moment...this journal is being terribly recalcitrant and difficult...I need to give it some space to allow it to get it's act together and fall in with my plans for its completion! I have never before had a project that has resisted me to such lengths ;)
Moving right along...these flat beads are rather finicky and a tad time consuming to make, due to the small size and the need to allow drying time between each of the steps, so maybe not for the rushed, or those wanting instant gratification...but they do make lovely little embellishments that can be used as mobile elements, ( I can see glittery ones like Wendy's as a very pretty baby mobile or sun catcher), journal dangles, jewelry componants, anything you want. They also recycle otherwise pretty useless packaging material and can be made in steps to suit your timetable...if you are lucky enough to still have one!...
I then tried several ways of finishing the edges...colouring with a brush marker, distress ink and Stazon Jet Black applied with a makeup sponge. In all the videos I watched, the edges were painted with acrylic paint to finish them and I have to say that was indeed a good option, as the paint was thick and occlusive enough to smooth out the tiny irregularities and coat evenly. However, I also tried painting the edges with a small brush and a drop of Stazon Jet Black ink from the reinker bottle and for me this gave me the neatest, most occlusive finish...
Once the paint and ink was dry I went on to add the glossy finish...
See you soon I hope,
bye now,
Di xx