How to make jewellery from paper mache

Paper mache jewellery is fun, unique and really easy to make! You can make individual items that you can wear yourself or give to friends and family as gifts. It is also a great way to get rid of any scrap paper you have lying around the house!

You will need:

Paper (uncoated)

A Large saucepan or stock pot

PVA or Elmers glue

A small drill or a screw and screwdriver

Scissors

Blender

Acrylic paint or nail polish

Clear sealant such as lacquer or clear nail polish.

 A file or sandpaper

Step 1: Tear or cut the paper into small pieces, tearing produces a smoother result on the finished product. Soak the paper in boiling water over night.

Step 2: Squeeze any excess water from the paper and out it into the blender for about 3 minutes. Add glue to the mixture and stir.

Step 3: Pull off pieces of the mixture and roll into balls. Put them on a microwaveable plate and put them in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Take them out and allow to cool then put them in for another minute, make sure you keep an eye on them as they are paper and they could catch fire! Keep doing this until they feel dry to the touch.

Step 4: Leave for about 24 hours to ensure that they are dry throughout. Either carefully drill a small hole through the centre, or if you don’t have a drill use a screwdriver and a screw to create a hole

Step 5: File away rough edges (if you want to, you can keep the rough edges for a natural look) Paint with acrylic paint or nail polish. I recommend nail polish as it has a shiny metallic finish and it dries much faster. Once they are dry, cover with a clear sealant.

Step 6: Thread elastic, ribbon, ear wires or whatever you are going to use.

You can make earrings, bracelets, necklaces or pendants, whatever takes your fancy!