DIY Mixed Media Handmade Fiber Beads: Crafting Your Unique Creations
DIY beads come in an astonishing variety of forms and styles. You can play around with all sorts of materials—drinking straws, paper, tyvek, fabric, threads, epoxy clay, polymer clay, wool, felt, acrylic felt, and various types of wire. My handmade beads have undergone everything from varnishing, gluing, baking, wrapping, painting, gilding, mica powdering, heat distressing, to resin coating. Creating DIY beads is incredibly fun and easy, and the possibilities are endless!
Steps to Create Your Own Fiber Beads
Materials Needed:
Drinking straws or other base materials
White glue
Scissors
Muslin, tapestry, or any cotton blend material
Acrylic paints
22-gauge wires (gold, copper, silver)
Needle nose pliers
Wire cutters
Beads, charms, and glitter
Instructions:
Prepare Your Strips: Tear or cut your muslin or cotton materials into strips that are 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches wide. Varying sizes will give you beads of different dimensions. Cut your strips to lengths of about 6 to 12 inches—experimentation is key.
Wrap the Base: Wrap the material around the end of the straw, applying white glue to the fabric as you go. Ensure it is glued securely. Once wrapped, cut the straw, leaving some inside the middle of the wrap. You can typically create three beads per straw, depending on your desired bead length.
Let the Creative Fun Begin:
Paint the fabric and ends with metallic paints.
Wrap fibers or yarn around the bead.
Wrap 5 to 6-inch wire pieces around the fibers or yarn to secure them in place.
Add beads and charms to the wire.
Add a touch of glitter or try dipping the beads in embossing powders for added flair!
Remember, the beauty of DIY beads lies in their individuality. Experiment with different techniques and materials to create truly unique beads. Have a blast crafting your creations!
xo Izabella Blue
tags: How to, tutorial, diy mixed media fiber beads
