Make Recycled Magazine Bead Jewelry
Make Magazine Bead Jewelry with kids for a colorful recycled craft that turns old magazine pages into wearable art. This easy camp craft is a fun way to teach recycling while kids practice measuring, cutting, rolling, pattern making, and designing their own necklaces or bracelets.
Kids can make these recycled paper beads for dress up, Mardi Gras, summer camp, classroom activities, or handmade gifts. Each bead turns out a little different depending on the colors and pictures on the magazine page.
Supplies
- Magazine pages with colorful pictures or patterns
- Scissors
- Glue
- Ruler
- Pencil or fine point marker
- Toothpick
- Fine string, thread, or fishing line
- Extra craft beads for decoration
Instructions
- Measure and mark strips on a magazine page. Try different widths such as 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, and 3/4 inch.
- Cut the magazine page into long strips.
- Look at the colors and pictures on each strip. Choose strips with bright colors or interesting patterns for the prettiest beads.
- Starting at one end of the strip, place a small dab of glue on the outside edge of the paper.
- Wrap the strip tightly around a toothpick. The toothpick keeps a small hole in the center so the bead can be strung later.
- When you reach the last 1/4 inch of the strip, add another small dab of glue underneath the paper to hold the bead closed.
- Slide the bead off the toothpick and let it dry.
- Repeat with the rest of the magazine strips until you have enough beads for your jewelry.
- String the magazine beads onto string, thread, or fishing line. Alternate them with round craft beads for extra color and texture.
- Tie the ends together securely, then wear and enjoy your recycled magazine bead jewelry.
Fun Facts
Paper can be recycled and turned into many new products, including newspaper, notebook paper, paper grocery bags, boxes, envelopes, magazines, and cartons.
Recycling paper helps kids see how everyday materials can be reused instead of thrown away. This craft is a fun reminder that creative projects do not always need brand new supplies.
Teacher Friendly Educational Extension
This recycled jewelry craft works well for camp crafts, Earth Day lessons, classroom activities, and art centers.
Ask students to sort magazine pages by color before cutting their strips. They can create color patterns, repeating patterns, or even themed jewelry using warm colors, cool colors, or rainbow designs.
For a writing connection, have kids write a few sentences about how recycling helps the planet. Older students can create a short poster explaining how paper recycling works.
For a math connection, let students measure strips in different widths and compare how the width changes the final bead shape. They can also count, sort, and graph the types of beads they used in their necklace or bracelet.
Supplies
Instructions
Contributor
The Cambria County Solid Waste Authority, located in Ebensburg, PA, oversees matters of solid waste and recycling in Cambria County, PA. Our main goal is to provide recycling options to our public through a drop-off collection program, but we are also involved with matters in overseeing the local landfill, preventing illegal dumping and littering activity, and insuring that the region’s waste is handled safely. Through a strong public education program that includes presentations at schools and organizations, public newsletters and our own website, we strive to keep the public informed on recycling and disposal matters.
