Wood beads decoupaged with tissue paper or tiny images can take on many different looks. These are easy even for young kids with a little help from Mom or Dad. You can buy packages of wood beads at the craft store. They are easy to find, inexpensive and come in all different sizes. You’ll want larger size beads for this project so they’re easier to work with.
If you don’t want to invest in a container of Mod Podge (I love Mod Podge–I use it all the time!), you can make your own glue/sealant by squeezing about a tablespoon of white glue like Elmer’s in a paper cup, and adding the same amount of water. Mix it up with a paintbrush or popsicle stick.
You will need:
Large wood beads
Mod Podge or mixture of 1/2 white glue and 1/2 water
Paint Brush
Scissors (small manicure scissors can be handy for cutting out small images)
Tissue paper, wrapping paper, magazine pages or any other paper with interesting color, designs or images
Tear up small strips of tissue paper or wrapping paper. Coat 1/2 wood bead with Mod Podge (or 1/2 white glue/ 1/2 water mixture).
Stick on a strip of tissue and paint over it with the Mod Podge.
Keep adding tissue, overlapping layers until half the bead is covered. Let it dry and then do the other half.
For easy drying, string the beads on a wire or skewer and suspend them over a box or pan so they can dry on all sides.
Ideas to try:
Add letters to spell names, initials or messages
Add small magazine photos of animals or other interesting objects
Add glitter to the Mod Podge
String beads on cord, tying a knot between each bead
String one bead on cord and tie a knot on both sides for a simple bracelet
String beads on a clip to hang from a keychain, belt loop or backpack
Tie them on a package to dress up a present