• Introduction
• Stamp the Paper
• Tools and Materials
• Paint the Beads
• Apply the Paper
• Finishing Touches
• Resources

1. Select some thin paper to stamp your pattern on. The reason for choosing thin paper is that it's easier to get thin paper to conform to the shape of the bead when it's time to glue it on.



2. Using waterproof rubber stamp ink or acrylic paint (or both as in my sample), stamp a pattern onto the paper. Here is an almost sure-fire formula for stamping out a good pattern: choose some rubber stamps that are bold and blocky, and mix them with some designs that contain fine lines. For your colors, pick a couple of analagous colors in a mid-range, plus one white or bright color and one black or dark color. Including a touch of metallic goes a long way toward adding richness and life to your design. For some tips on stamping with acrylic paint, refer to my previous project Decoupage Wooden Beads.



3. Let the paper dry, and if any of your inks require it, heat set.

1. First, sand the beads with fine sandpaper to help the paint adhere better to surface. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove the dust.



2. Paint the beads in a color or colors in harmony with your stamped paper. For surface interest, you might consider using a wash or sponge effect, or use crackle medium between two layers of paint as I did in my example. To make painting easier, paint the beads in sections so that you always have a dry spot to hold on to. You can dry the beads on the ends of pieces of bent wire stuck into a piece of styrofoam.



3. Allow beads to dry.

1. Cut two 3/8" x 2 1/8" pieces from your stamped paper pattern.



2. Brush some glue onto the back side of the paper and wrap around each bead. In my example I used Perfect Paper Adhesive.



3. Allow beads to dry.

1. Using a tiny detail paintbrush, paint a line of color around the edges of the paper and allow paint to dry.



2. Spray or brush on a clear sealer, and let dry.



3. Thread beads onto headpins with complementary smaller beads. The car seat beads have large holes, so to keep them straight on the headpin, fill them with smaller beads as you go. The "E" size works very well.



4. Make a loop at the top of each headpin with the roundnose pliers and attach the earring findings of your choice. You're done!

Here are some sources for products you can use in this project.

• Recycled Wooden Car Seat Beads
• ColorBox MicaMagic Rubber Stamping Ink - fast-drying metallic pigment ink, waterproof after drying
• ColorBox Crafter's Rubber Stamping Ink - waterproof after heat set
• Ancient Page Rubber Stamping Ink - waterproof after drying
• USArtQuest - Perfect Paper Adhesive

Rubber stamps used in this sample project:

• Three Retro Stalks Unmounted
• Set of Four Double Spirals Unmounted
• Wavy Lines Unmounted


Do you like this tutorial? Share it! Questions or comments?
Email Carolyn: limegr@ezl.com

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Helpful Rubber Stamping Books and Supplies
Making Gifts With Rubber Stamps	Rubber Stamped Jewelry	Creative Stamping with Mixed Media Techniques	The Stamp Artist's Project Book
Art Stamping Workshop	Egyptian Symbols - A Hieroglyphic Stamp Kit	Texture Effects for Rubber Stamping	Transparent Art
Perfect Paper Adhesive	The Creative Memories Collection Oval Patterns	The Creative Memories Collection Custom Cutting System Mat & Blades	Yes Glue
Melt Art Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE)	Create Your Own Hand-Printed Cloth: Stamp, Screen, and Stencil with Everyday Objects	Polymer Clay Surface Design Recipes	Liquid Laminate
Prismacolor Pencils