Making Papier-Mâché Beads - 3.

Painting dried beads with white acrylic ink - how to make paper mâché 'flowers' from a crab claw. This is a demonstration video that I made for the Blue Peter team on BBC at their request. This explains why there are five beads on the final necklace spelling out the word - PETER! I'm demonstrating making simple beads using soft white loo paper by twisting pieces of loo paper - one piece, two pieces, three, four, etc to create beads of various sizes. Once twisted in place - quickly dip the bead on the kebab stick into a jar of water and gently squeeze out the excess water. Repeat. Also shapes resembling flowers, leaves and fish by layering and wrapping loo paper around a large crab claw I found on the beach. Dry in a microwave oven for 3-4 seconds, then check progress and repeat until almost dry. Time to dry can vary depending on the size of the bead and the amount of water in it. N/B - Paper can burn in a microwave so check by opening the door often to release the steam. I let the beads cool down a bit before putting them back into the microwave oven. You will soon discover the best time they're in and out as you make them - it's about experience.