They keep you informed about current events, but few might look at newspapers as a way to glam up. But Lori Shafer, adult librarian at the Briggs-Lawrence Library, hopes to expand the typical attitude toward newsprint. Or any kind of paper for that matter.

“I was looking for different things we could do with paper and do more crafts,” Shafer said. “I came across something that talked about paper beads.”

Now twice this week Shafer will teach how paper can be turned into a unique kind of jewelry.

“It is really interesting because you can use any kind of paper, magazines, newspapers or just plain copy paper,” Shafer said. “It is real easy to do.”

Shafer has even seen the Avon line of cosmetics selling paper bead bracelets.

Paper is torn into strips, rolled up into little beads and glued. Then those newspaper beads are strung onto a stretchy rope found in craft shops. The bracelet can be varnished or painted with clear or colored nail polish.

“This is for anyone who likes craft kind of things,” Shafer said. “Very, very young kids would have trouble with this, but not for anyone a pre-teen and up. You can make them how you want.”

All supplies will be provided and there is no charge for the classes.

There will be a class at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Ironton library and at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Chesapeake library.

“We have been saving up comic strips and have a lot of copy paper,” Shafer said.