I tried my hand at making paper beads a long time ago with magazine pages. There used to be a special tool on the market, but it’s not being made any more. So at the time, I just rolled my beads around a toothpick. It was difficult and messy, and I gave up. But I saved all that paper!
Fast forward 15 years, and thanks to the power of Twitter, I learned of a female entrepreneur with a new paper bead tool for sale. I ordered it, and have been cranking out beads. It’s called The Paper Bead Roller. The slot in the tool helps control the paper. You also get consistent 1/8″ holes in your beads, which is great for heavier gauge wire.
I’ve seen quilling tools in the store, but they are only 3/16″ wide. The Paper Bead Roller is 1-1/4″ long for a greater variety of bead size.
So if you’re interested in making paper beads, I highly recommend The Paper Bead Roller, which I hear is going to be carried by Fire Mountain Gems.