A tutorial to make your own beads
Step 1: Place in large pot and cover with boiling water (as I poured in
the boiling water I was able to add more shredded paper) These two pots
(my largest) held about a shredder and a half.
BLENDER METHOD:
Step 2: Cover and let sit for an hour. Stir occasionally to break up the paper fibers.
Step 3: use a blender to further break down the paper.
Step 4: drain, add plaster of paris and mix well
Step 5: Add enough plaster of paris to create a firm consistency.
Step 6: Roll into desired size balls, squeezing water out as you go.
Step 7: Drill holes. Yep, DRILL, the plaster is pretty tough and trying
to push a nail through it only broke the ball. Screw and drill it was.
Optional Step: If balls seem rough to the touch, smooth with sand paper or if will be coating these with tissue
paper and Mod Podge. If we were painting them I would have sanded them.
Step 9: Decorate!
NON-BLENDER METHOD:
Step 3: allow to simmer for several hours, stir or use a hand blender periodically to help break up the paper.
Step 4: drain
Step 5: add plaster of paris and mix well
The best part of this method is that there was less water to squeeze
out as I rolled the balls. The draw back is that it takes FOREVER for
them to dry. Unfortunately I wasn't able to use the balls from this
method of the MOPS activity because they weren't dry enough.
Step 6: roll into balls and allow to dry.
Step 7: drill holes
Step 8: OPTIONAL, sand rough edges if you plan on painting them or want a more smooth finish
Step 9: Decorate!
Source: http://renewedprojects.blogspot.in
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