How to Make Friendship Bracelets With Pipe Cleaners

Charms and beads spruce up a colorful pipe cleaner.

Friendship bracelets celebrate the bond between individuals and often reflect the character of that friendship. Handmade friendship bracelets allow friends to decide on the colors, designs and meanings of their bracelets. Pipe cleaners are affordable and colorful materials for the base of a beaded friendship bracelet. Children of all ages can partake in this inventive and simple craft.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pipe cleaners in many colors
• Scissors
• Round plastic beads
• Letter beads
• Small charms

Instructions

1. Measure the circumference of each person's wrist with a flexible measuring tape. Add 3 inches to this measurement.

2. Cut out lengths of pipe cleaners matching the final wrist measurement for each person. Snip off the excess pipe cleaner with a pair of scissors.

3. Push on round plastic beads, letter beads, name beads or charm pendants. Each friendship bracelet should be unique. Create a pattern that suits your tastes and friendship.

4. Rearrange the beads and pendants a few times to find the pattern you enjoy the most. Leave 1/2 inch of space on each end of the pipe cleaner.

5. Twist the two ends of the pipe cleaner together using the extra 1/2 inch of material on each end. Twist together tightly to ensure the bracelet will stay together.

References

• Marin Mommies: Friendship Bracelets
• Making Friends: Sparkly Bracelet