Wooden, Seed, and Plastic Beads - Kid Friendly for Handmade Jewelry

Children of all ages love the idea of creating. For the teacher, baby sitter, summer camp counselor, Girl Scout Leader, etc. here are some quick ideas for kid-friendly projects your children (and you) will enjoy.

1. Name bracelet

Elementary students learn about the basic primary and secondary colors. Students can test their color scheme skills by hand painting wooden beads showcasing their knowledge of colors as well as practice the use of dexterity in the practice of painting small objects. If the children's abilities are limited I would suggest colorful plastic beads instead of painting wooden beads.

When the beads are dry, each student can write in marker their name, one letter per bead, and string them on thick yarn or sturdy thread. Students will learn how to string the beads in order of their name and tie a knot to create a name bracelet.

*Alternative idea: Student can create name bracelets for a friend or relative as a gift.

2. Bead Loom Bracelet

For older students using a simple loom may bead a great creative activity. If bead looms are not accessable, one can easily make one from sturdy cardboard, thin wood, or masonite board. Google "how to make a bead loom" for simple instructions.

I recommend using plastic beads for middle school children, as they are better for grasping, and they can come in a wide array of colors. Create a warp (the vertical strings on the loom), be sure to have one extra string for the number of beads wide. Using the weft (string weaving horizontally through the warp) string beads on this weft and go UNDER the warp. Lining up each bead with each space is key. To make sure the beads stay in place sew back through the beads, but this time be sure the warp goes ABOVE the warp. You can find easy instructions through Google as well.

I've tried this with older students. In the case of high school-aged children, seed beads are the way to go! Seed beads offer a more flexible pattern or design, as the beads are very small creating a pixellated image. My high school students took so much to the bead loom and seed beads that they asked to take the looms and extra beads home over the holiday break!

3. Friendship Bracelets

Friendship bracelets are a huge hit with children of any age. Use wooden, plastic or seed beads to create simple strung collections of colors and patterns. In the 80's I remember putting beads on safety pins and giving them to my friends. It was customary to pin them to the base of our shoe laces! Creating friendship bracelets (or pins!) is fun, easy and inexpensive. This activity teaches children about giving and to value friendship.

4. For the adult

For the adult artist, I would suggest creating a triple or quadruple strand necklace. The more strands you use, the better! Take 3-4 strands of bead thread or beading thread and string your beads of choice. Give the strands a twist for a elegant flow, or brain the strands for a funky appearance. This is a fun activity for adults. I must warn you, that beading may become addiction!

Good luck in your beading adventures!