Voodoo Beads

$5 - $7 (based on 2015 prices) 

Makes one strand of beads 

I bought several Halloween-themed necklaces a few years ago because I wanted their large spider emblems for a crystal ball project. After removing the spiders, I was left with numerous strands of beads. Although their designs were fun, I hated their neon-green color. Since last year’s yard haunt was a Creole Voodoo theme, I decided to give the discarded strands a fresh coat of paint. The project was a little tedious; however, an old jewelry stand was an invaluable assistant during the entire process.

• One strand of Halloween-themed beads
• One 8 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying latex paint in flat white*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat brown*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat gray*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat red*
• One 0.44 oz. bottle of clear nail polish
  

1. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, lay the strand of beads out and apply several even coats of white paint. I used two coats; however, you may want more or less depending on your preferred coverage. To make the painting process more manageable, hang the strand from a cheap jewelry stand with metal rungs. 

2. Once the white paint has dried, coat the beads with your desired colors. I chose red for the rounded beads, gray for the bones, and kept the skulls white. Again, it helps to use the jewelry stand during this step. Also, focus on one color at a time, rather than alternating paint as you work down the strand.

3. To give the beads a glossy appearance, apply a coat or two of clear nail polish. Here, too, the jewelry stand will prove highly beneficial.

4. Using a brush with splayed bristles, pat the brown paint onto the beads. Try to concentrate on spots where dirt would naturally accumulate: along the base of cracks and deep within holes. It might take a few coats and some modifications to the paint’s shade to achieve your preferred look.  

 

*You will not use the entire bottle’s content for this project.