How-to: Make Beads from Colored Pencils (You Get to Use Power Tools!)

Necklace strung with colored pencil beadsBeading can be a really sustainable method of crafting. Although it can be tempting to get sucked into the realm of brand-new plastic beads (made with petroleum, and using energy and resources in their manufacturing), the savvy crafter knows that there are tons of wonderful alternatives, from vintage beads to beads made with natural materials to beads recycled from unwanted products.

One of the most satisfying ways to sweeten up your bead stash is to make your own beads. Custom-made beads are way expensive, but you can make your own for free, and you have the added benefit of making them exactly the way you want them. Need a five-inch-long bead? No problem! A bead that says “Katie Kittycat” in teeny-tiny writing? You can totally do that!

A bead made out of a colored pencil? Here’s exactly how to make it:

Next >> Cut your Pencils

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Written by Julie Finn

I'm a writer, crafter, Zombie Preparedness Planner, and homeschooling momma of two kids who will hopefully someday transition into using their genius for good, not the evil machinations and mess-making in which they currently indulge. I'm interested in recycling and nature crafts, food security, STEM education, and the DIY lifestyle, however it's manifested--making myself some underwear out of T-shirts? Done it. Teaching myself guitar? Doing it right now.

Visit my blog Craft Knife for a peek at our very weird handmade homeschool life, and my etsy shop Pumpkin+Bear for a truly odd number of rainbow-themed beeswax pretties.

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