You can use any type of fabric to make your beads however if you are using plain colored or tone-on-tone colored fabric, consider adding some decorative stitching or free motion stitching for added interest.

Alternatively, consider adding your own decorative designs using a Krylon Gold Leaf Pen or Elmer’s Metallic Painters Pen (available from craft stores).

To make your beads, cut strips of fabric approx 1” wide x 2” long and then cut a tapered point at one end.

If you are decorating with a Gold Leaf Pen or a Metallic Painters Pen, mark along the edges of the bead or draw some designs on the fabric.

With right side facing up, apply a line of fabric glue to the squared off edge.

With wrong side facing up, apply a line of fabric glue along the tapered edges.

Wrap the fabric around the rod and press firmly to secure.

In no time at all you’ll have lots of wonderful beads to embellish your projects.