How to Create Beading Projects for Kids

Beading is fun for children of almost any age. Planning a beading project as a craft activity can be a great and rewarding project for kids. Beading projects are excellent crafts to do at home or in a group setting. For very young children, use jumbo sized, chunky wooden or plastic beads and a thick cord. Stringing beads is not only fun for young kids, but it can be a way to help develop fine motor skills. With older kids, try using smaller beads in a variety of interesting textures and sizes. The materials needed are fairly inexpensive and kids will be occupied for hours.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Beads (for very young children use large, chunky beads and use smaller ones for older children)
• Thick plastic cording made for beading (for large beads)
• Key chain clasps

1. Cut 8-inch lengths of cord for each child. Tie a tight double knot in the end of each piece of cord.

2. Have children pick out beads from containers on the table and arrange them on their work area in the order they want to string them.

3. Let children start stringing beads onto the cords until they have about 4 1/2 inches of beading.

4. Tie another double knot as close as possible to the end of the beading. Securely tie on the key chain attachment leaving a tail of cord hanging.

Tips & Warnings

• Kids can enjoy hanging these on their backpacks.
• Try using letter beads for these projects and letting kids spell out their names or words like "cute" or "awesome."

[jcharney]

on 8/18/2009 does anyone know how to make the beaded golf stroke counter?

[gschwerma]

on 8/30/2008 Does anyone know how to make anything with the plastic cording that you see in stores. I know how to make the box with two colors, but not anything else.
If you do email me at [e-mail]
Please help!! I'm starting a club for some children at work and they are really into this right now!