How to Make Jingle Bell Bracelets

The tinkling of bells may be associated with the Christmas season, but inexpensive jingle bell bracelets make a simple craft project any time of the year. Gather supplies from around the house to create them with your kids. Use the melodic jewelry to make music or simply a fun fashion statement.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ribbon, bead chain or hair elastics
• String
• Small bells
• Pony or letter beads, if desired

1. Find lengths of ribbon, metal bead chain, embroidery floss or string to become bracelet bases. You can also use kids' elastic ponytail holders in a pinch.

2. Measure your child's wrist, then cut the bracelet to fit, adding a few inches if you'll need to tie it closed.

3. Thread the bracelet through the loop in each bell. For a more uniform look—or to secure bells to a closed circle like a ponytail holder—simply use elasticized thread or ribbon scraps to tie bells to the bracelet at even intervals.

4. Make the jewelry even more eye-catching by adding letter beads, pony beads, whimsical charms or colorful ribbon knots between the bells.

5. Tie the finished project to your child's wrist or add lobster clasps to each end so they can put it on independently.

Tips & Warnings

• Turn the crafts session into an educational exercise. Have the children count, add and identify colors of elastics or beads as you use them.
• Print lyric sheets of children's songs, or seasonal favorites during the holidays, and hold a sing along to accompany the bracelets' music.
• Be sure kids are past the stage of putting objects into their mouths since the bells and beads can pose a choking hazard.
• Avoid using hair elastics as bracelets if they're too tight for your child's wrist. They might cut off circulation if worn for a prolonged period of time.