I have been trying quite hard to be crafty and patient. I am not great at both but I know that practice helps both these areas tremendously. Patience is really a must as I have multiple half done projects around me. I start and then I just let it lie untouched. Consistency and patience are really my pitfalls and I am trying to work on them.

Well I discovered Shruti’s Mindful Meanderings sometime in late February and have been meaning to take part in the Artsy-Craftsy. I had ideas for the previous challenges but kept giving the standard lack-of-time excuse but I made it – well almost. It is still officially 19th April when I am submitting my entry for the April Artsy-Craftsy Paper Mache

Paper Bead Necklace

Paper Mache Pendant

Paper Mache Gift Tag

I got the idea for paper beads from here and just adapted the instructions to be more kid-friendly. It is quite simple but adult supervision is necessary. Here are the steps just in case someone is interested.

1. Tear paper into bits

2. Pour boiling water to cover it

3. Let it sit for 1 hour

4. Mash the soggy paper so that it disintegrates

5. Drain as much water as possible and add a little clear glue to help beads hold shape.

6. Shape beads around toothpicks and skewers. This step I called it kabab making. The thickness of the toothpick/skewer you use to shape the beads will be the width of the hole for threading the beads.

7. Reshape and squeeze out some more water after an hour or so

8. Let it dry – mine took around 4 days

9. Paint and add a coat of varnish

10. String through ribbons, yarn, or anything else you prefer.

These will be great as gift tags too.

For the neck and the wrist - chains and bracelet