My son, LB, and I like to do baking and crafts together. I try to choose projects, recipes, or tasks that are safe and fun for him, but also limit the mess I’ll clean up later. So, no breaking eggs. When our friend was under the weather, he suggested we make her a necklace in her favourite color, pink. So, away we went! It was very simple and is a fun last-minute gift that a child can feel satisfied for creating.
Materials
Ceramic beads
Waxed cotton cord
We bought both at Sostrene Grene in Cork city.
Process
We measured the length of cord (plus two or three inches) that would go over my head. This meant no clasp was needed and it has a nice statement necklace length.
We knew we wanted to use three beads on each necklace (we made another for another friend), we found the centre point on the cord.
From the centre point, we went over a smidge and placed the first knot. This knot is to stop the centre bead from going right off the cord on the other side.
We stranded the centre bead on and it was stopped by the knot.
Then we placed another knot on the other side of the strung centre bead.
Then we strung a bead on each side of the centre bead, which we made a different color.
Then knots on the other sides of the side beads.
Then we placed a knot to put the two ends of the cord together.
One final check to make sure it goes over my head and we were done!
Result
It was a fairly simple project and was very satisfying for my son because aside from the first cord cut, there were no sharp or hot objects that only I could handle. So, in fact, he made the necklaces himself while I helped.
Oh, and you can see some glass pearl stitch markers I made. I’ll write about them very soon.
What simple and safe craft projects do you love to do with kids?