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Getting creative with beads is a wonderful way to introduce children to arts and crafts. Beads offer tons of variety and require little preparation time. Simple projects allow younger children to stay focused on the project at hand. Older children can stay occupied for hours with projects that are slightly more advanced but not overwhelming. Using beads also helps children refine motor skills and gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment by creating something they can treasure and share.
Simple ideas that don’t require fancy tools or expensive materials include beaded key chains, friendship and name bracelets, necklaces, and bookmarks. For each of these projects, pony beads are the perfect option because they are economical and easy to find at your local bead or craft store. Personalized key chains can be created with just a bag of alphabet beads, a key ring and thick cotton cording or plastic lacing. With just a spool of stretch string, kids can also very easily create friendship or name bracelets. Beads offer variety in shapes, sizes and colors, so that children can create an array of unique designs and never get bored. Stretch cord is perfect because it is easy to knot (using a surgeon’s knot is recommended).
Bookmarks can be easily created by adding beads or charms to the ends of a piece of cording. The cording is placed between the pages and the beaded ends dangle from the outer edges of the book.
For simple, yet professional looking jewelry, use a crimp tool with flexible beading wire and crimp beads. Use the tool to attach clasps to necklaces and bracelets. This technique can be used with single strand and multi-strand pieces. Instructions can usually by found on the packaging of any quality crimp tool.
For more advanced projects, macramé techniques can be used to create beaded friendship bracelets or hemp bracelets. Kids can get creative by using a variety of beads and cording. Embroidery floss and hemp are available in many colors and will provide endless possibilities when combined with beads.
Beading projects are perfect for summer, weekends and rainy days. Kids will have fun creating jewelry they can wear and give as gifts. Bead crafts can be done as a pair, a group or individually.
To get started, visit your local bead shop for expert advice on basic supplies and techniques. You can also find project ideas and additional resources on the internet or at your local library or bookstore.
About the Author:
Joyce Lee is a jewelry designer with over 15 years of experience in jewelry design and production. Ms. Lee also enjoys teaching jewelry making classes to children and adults of all ages. Visit www.beadbee.com for project ideas, instructions, and materials.
Additional ideas & tips can be found at Bead Bee’s blog.
Joyce’s artisan jewelry can be seen at Bead Bee Boutique
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Creative Beading Projects for Kids
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Friendship Bracelets Kit $27.99 The ultimate friendship bracelet book with directions for designs ranging from simple to simply amazing. The back cover doubles as a clipboard (clip included) so bracelets can be made directly besides their instructions. Comes with supplies to make at least one bracelet for each of your 12 closest friends. Comes with 10 skeins of embroidery floss beads and a plastic Klutz clip. 60 pages. |
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Leisure Arts-Cool Stuff Friendship Bracelets $7.49 20 pagesPaperbackOur 48 fabulous friendship bracelets are so hot — they’re cool! Just follow the simple steps to knot colorful embroidery floss. The many choices of styles colors beads and charms will make each bracelet one-of-a-kind! Fun to wear & great to share! |
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Cotton Embroidery Floss 105 Skeins $14.99 Jumbo pack contains 105 colors of skeined embroidery floss. Ideal for kids crafts (friendship bracelets and other crafts) sitch projects and scrapbooking. 12 bonus floss bobbins included. |
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Janlynn Embroidery Floss 36 pc Pack Primary $5.19 Janlynn Embroidery Floss is a brilliant six strand thread made of 100% mercerized cotton. Perfect for cross-stitch, counted thread, embroidery, needlepoint, smocking, counted bead work, crewel, creative embroidery, punch embroidery, applique, and quilting. Great for making friendship bracelets, worry dolls, shoelaces and more. Includes 36 skeins per package and 8 meters per skein. Primary- A variety of colors including Red, Blue, White, Black, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Pink and more. |
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Janlynn Embroidery Floss 36 pc Pack Variegated $5.99 Janlynn Embroidery Floss is a brilliant six strand thread made of 100% mercerized cotton. Perfect for cross-stitch, counted thread, embroidery, needlepoint, smocking, counted bead work, crewel, creative embroidery, punch embroidery, applique, and quilting. Great for making friendship bracelets, worry dolls, shoelaces and more. Includes 36 skeins per package and 8 meters per skein. Variegated- A variety of colors including Red, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Purple, Green, and more. |
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Cotton Embroidery Floss 36 Skeins-Spring Colors $5.99 Project included6 each of 6 colorsJanlynn floss packs contain 36 skeins great for kids’ friendship bracelets stitching crafts and great for scrapbooking. |
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Leisure Arts-Beaded Bracelets To Knit $9.99 LEISURE ARTS-Beaded Bracelets to Knit. Each of these 15 exciting bracelet designs by Leslieanne Beller gives you the opportunity to add more color and sparkle to your life–with knitting! Using embroidery floss and beads; you can knit the bracelets as shown; or change the floss and bead colors to create jewelry that’s uniquely yours. We have included Bracelet Basics to help you in knitting with polyester floss; choosing the best bead size; and adding closures to get an even; professional finish. You’ll also see how easy it is to add charms to your bracelet. And by following the instructions for pattern variations; you can custom-fit these designs for any wrist. What lovely gifts to make for your friends or yourself! |
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Design Originals-Friendship Bracelets $5.99 This book contains over 25 colorful beading designsPublisher: Design OriginalsFriendship knows no bounderies with this book you will learn the basics to creating a unique gift of friendship to exchange or share! Over 25 colorful designs and easy-to-follow instructions for you to make bracelets in every color of the rainbow. |
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Rexlace Activity Pack-Bracelets Bracelets $3.99 Make Mobiles Bracelets Necklaces and More Out of STRAWS ! Kit will make 6 different gimp bracelets using Gimp Lace beads and pompoms. |
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Variegated Cotton Embroidery Floss 36 Skeins $6.99 Variegated cotton embroidery floss. 36 skeins. |