The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee advocates for the planet we share with our elephant residents by integrating sustainability into every aspect of operations—from daily decision-making and purchasing to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility across all departments. Sometimes, sustainability can take a creative spin, too! In the latest EleCraft, our Education Team teaches us how to use upcycled paper to make paper jewelry!
Supplies
Scissors
Ruler
Paper for Beads
Bamboo Skewer
Glue
Toothpicks
Paintbrush
Mod Podge (Dishwasher Safe)
Parchment Paper
Instructions
Make sure to have adult supervision to help you use the scissors!
- Pick out the paper you want to make beads from. We used leftover Trunklines! The pattern on the paper will affect what kind of pattern is on your finished beads.
- Turn the paper over to the side you DON’T want to show on your bead and measure out the strips you will use. To do so, label the bottom of the paper “A” and the top of the paper “B”. On end A, place a ruler and make a mark every two centimeters. On end B, make the first mark one centimeter in. Continue along the rest of side B making marks every two centimeters.
- Place the ruler at an angle to make triangle shaped strips. Connect the first mark on B with the corner of A. Then connect the first mark of B with the first mark of A. Continue with that pattern, using the reference pictures if needed. Cut the strips out using the scissors.
- Put the wide end of the paper strip against the bamboo skewer with the side that you want to show on the bead facing up. Begin rolling the paper strip around the skewer. When you reach the last two inches of the paper strip, put some glue on the end and then finish rolling. Set the bead aside on toothpicks to dry.
- Once the bead is dry, apply coats of Mod Podge until desired glossiness is achieved. This also helps the beads be water resistant. Let the bead dry a little between coats. For the example, four coats of Mod Podge were used, with the bead being flipped from top to bottom each coat to ensure even distribution.
- Once the last coat is mostly dry, place the beads spaced apart on the parchment paper to finish the drying process and prevent sticking.
- When the beads are glossy and no longer feel sticky, they are ready to be made into jewelry. Try out your own shapes and use them for bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and more! Get creative!
Participants at one of this year's Third Saturday event had the chance to make these upcycled beads in person with us. If you are in Middle Tennessee, be on the lookout for events at The Elephant Discovery Center for the chance to to join in on a variety of activities, from EleCrafts to enrichment creation to meeting The Sanctuary Team!
Step 2  | Step 2  | Step 3  |
Step 3  | Step 4  | Step 4  |