Recycling Old Bills and Important Papers

Recently while reading the comic section in the local Sunday newspaper I saw a Jump Start cartoon where the mom was giving her toddler twins paper and letting them tear it up. As the comic continued it turned out that not only were the twins having themselves a great time, the mom Marcy was letting the twins tear up old important papers so that no one could steal their identity. One of the other older children even joined in on the fun. Over the past few years identity theft has become an increasing problem that shows no sign of slowing down and not everyone has an expensive paper shredder.

One possible solution to this problem of how to dispense with papers containing personal information could also provide a way of creating something new in the process - Paper Beads.

Paper beads are constructed by cutting pieces of paper - any kind of paper from newspapers and magazines to scrapbook paper and gift wrap and even those old papers that are no longer needed - into strips of desired width (depending on how wide you want the bead to be). Once the strips are cut, they are then wrapped around something like a nail or any other item that can provide a sufficient hole for stringing. In order to keep the wrapped paper from unraveling a spot of glue is used to seal the paper. The paper, nail and all (or whatever you are using), are inserted into a container of liquid wax - since taper candles are best it is a perfect use for the ends of the taper candles that did not burn (taper wax doesn't rub off onto everything). Once the wrapped papers are sealed in wax a beautiful bead is created that is suitable for stringing into necklaces for any occasion. And even if a few letters or number show through the wax, no one will be able to use it or even know what the information goes to.

By using those old bills, bank statements, or any other paper containing personal information not only are the papers no longer available for thieves to steal and use, but there is a little less trash deposited into a land fill, money and possible the environment is saved by not having to buy a new piece of jewelry, and creating the beads is a fun activity suitable for adults and even some children with adult supervision - a good way to wile away a rainy day or a day out of school because of a snow storm.