I am sure you have come across paper beads before.  They are nothing new.  But this paper bead and leather bracelet tutorial by Rhonda Chase Design is different.  For starters, Rhonda created large hole Pandora style beads which can be used for bold leather bracelet designs.

What makes these paper beads durable is the use of clear UTEE - ultra thick embossing enamel. It adds a bit of dimension and gloss.  It dries fairly fast so it is not using resin!

I like Rhonda's easy method of dip coating and then drying with a heat gun. But as she says, it is laborious.

Consider getting a small craft melting pot if you like to make a lot of beads this way. You could prepare several dowels worth of beads using the method in the Ranger Ink video below.

Don't have a melting pot?  How about repurposing an unloved fondue pot? Or maybe a chocolate fondue holder with a tea light for heating? Just be careful to not overheat UTEE otherwise you will get a yellowing effect.



Before You Go:

Disclosure
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 Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
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