Alert...complete numpty in vicinity!

[Lomond Soap]

Hello :)
Sorry for the intrusion. I am looking for either wooden or paper beads to tie onto raffia on the front of my gift boxes. The middle will have to be wide enough to thread raffia through.
A couple of pics will give you the idea.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2930357164_0223a32958.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/2930357166_bca345dd37.jpg?v=0
Sorry this pic is a bit dark, no natural light?? But this is where I want the beads for. Box is 10x10x10cm. And, as I'm Scottish, so not too expensive please :D

[Fluffy Squirrel]

Have you tried Ebay?

[Lilac Moon]

Hiya. I have large wooden beads in browns and reds with big holes. pm me your addy and I'll send you a piccy. They are made into bracelets but dont sell so your welcome to them if they are any good.

[nettie]

Have you tried making your own paper beads? Not done it myself but it looks fairly simple...using something like a knitting needle, cut a long triangle however wide you want the bead, and starting with the straight edge of the triangle, wind the paper round the needle and stick down the pointed end, then slip it off the needle. The needle will give the gap to thread the raffia through after. The lady used origami washi paper and strung them onto ribbon on an oriental style card...they looked really cute :). Mind you Lilac's offer seems pretty good!

[Caroleecrafts]

Making your own paper beads is fun and they are more robust than you think, also cheaper you can make as you need or spend an evening in front of the TV. Paper is cheaper and you could make coloure, patterned or use brown wrapping paper for a more rustic look.

[Lomond Soap]

Thanks Ladies, some great tips.
Lilac moon and Caroline has sent you PM's

[silvermaid]

It looks like you are sorted for the beads but I would just like to say your soaps look gorgeous.

Melanie

[shiner]

if you glue the whole length of paper with pva when you roll it tightly into your bead shape it will be solid when dry. I have a tatting shuttle I made ages ago from a rolled centre piece and laminated the top and bottom with half a dozen pieces of different coloured thin card. when it had dried I sanded it smooth around the edges with 200 grit paper and a final coat of varnish. I've had lots of compliments and a few people in total disbelief it is just thin card because it is solid