Easy kids craft: painted wooden beads strung onto leather cording makes a great teacher appreciation gift or Mother’s Day gift too!
I borrowed this idea from Laura Parke at A Girl Who Makes (no longer a craft blog) and did the craft with my son’s Montessori class.
His class has kids ranging in age from 3 to 6 and all the kids were able to complete the necklace with little or no help.
If you don’t mind painting the beads ahead of time this project is great for a school class.
And it’s even one necklace you just might be able to actually wear out in public!
My girl #2 made these rainbow versions for her teachers with the left over beads.
Package in a small cellophane bag and add some ribbon to close:
Here’s how to make wood bead necklaces:
1. Purchase wood beads and washers.
My favorite source for all wood shapes and pieces is Woodworks, Ltd. They have a huge selection and very reasonable prices, plan your project now to allow for a few days shipping.
I used 7/8″ wood beads:
And 1″ wood washers.
2. Place beads onto end of paint brush, pencil, skewers or anything with a hole.
Using acrylic paint slowly paint exposed half of the ball:
3. For the washers I used gold spray paint:
4. Cut leather cording about 30″ long and string beads as desired.
We taped one end of the leather to the table to prevent the beads from sliding off.
Once complete knot ends together.
I love the simple look of this necklace. I don't have any kids, but I definitely think I'm going to try making one. Pinned it!
I really like this project, it has a cool mod look to it (you're on to something!) I may borrow this idea and make a long garland for my mantle 🙂
Super cute idea! This is a fantastic project! Would you consider linking this up at my Pinworthy Projects Party? I hope to see you there!