Wood Bead Challenge Accepted!

 

I am really good at accepting all of the challenges I throw my own way. 😂

This one involves large wood macramé beads that I have in my stash and copious amounts of origami paper that has been floating around my "collections" for probably 25-30 years. Which is ridiculous, really. I have a thing for pretty papers. In addition to origami paper (my career as a professional paper folder lasted an afternoon), I also have tons of scrapbook paper (when I have never scrapbooked a day in my life). It's time to use up some of these fire hazards, as my husband refers to all paper and/or cardboard.

I selected seven sheets of this beautiful paper and sliced it into thin strips with my paper cutter. Believe it or not... and I can't believe I am admitting this... my arm was sore the next day. Long story short: I highly recommend the paper-cutting exercise regime for getting your guns in fighting shape. 💪

It turns out that seven small pieces of origami paper sliced up is a hell of a lot of sliced up origami paper. More than I needed for this little project, so I'll have to get creative with the remainder. (Did I just give myself another challenge? 👀)

These wood macramé beads measure 1 3/4" in length, so I was thinking that they'd make a great focal bead or possibly earrings. My original thought was that I'd sell them just as beads for other jewelry makers to play around with, but after consulting my OG jewelry buddy, Lorelei, I decided that I wanted to embellish them a bit more.

This (above) is what they looked like before I embellished them. I adhered the paper strips and then applied several layers of UV/water resistant sealant. You'll have to wait for part two to see what I ended up doing to them. I may have gone too far, as I am wont to do. Then again... I do enjoy going too far.