How to Make Kwanzaa Beaded Necklaces

Kwanzaa is a seven day celebration of African American community, family and culture. The history of Kwanzaa dates back to 1966, when Dr. Maulana Karenga created the holiday. Today the celebration continues. You can take part in this celebration by creating Kwanzaa beaded necklaces. The necklaces are made using the Kwanzaa colors of black, red and green.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Beaded Necklace from Beads

1. Purchase supplies at a craft store. You will need red, green and black beads. Also, get some black beading cord.
2. Cut the length of the beading cord so that it will be long enough to fit over a person's head.
3. Lay out your beads, establishing a pattern by alternating the different colors. Be sure that you have enough beads to fill the length of the necklace.
4. Tie a double knot at one end of your bead cord.
5. String your beads following the pattern you prepared.
6. Lay out your shells in a pattern and then string them on your beaded cord.

Beaded Necklace from Pasta Shells

7. Purchase pasta tubes or shells. Ziti will work or you can purchase small shells. Also, buy some acrylic paint (black, red and green).
8. Glue the open sides of the shells together. This will leave an open area in the center which can be used for stringing your cord. Repeat this process until you have enough for your necklace. Alternatively, you can just use the ziti.
9. Paint your pasta shells or ziti in black, red or green.
10. Cut the length of your beading cord to fit over a person's head and then tie a double knot at the end of your cord.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are giving the necklace as a gift, you may want to put it in a box and include a short paragraph about the history of Kwanzaa and the meaning of Kwanzaa colors.