I started this tradition with my kids that we try to celebrate holidays by making crafts. Kids love making crafts and having a theme just makes it more fun. My girls love wearing bracelets. Any time they see a bracelet we usually end up with an argument of who gets to wear it so I figured it was the perfect time to tie in Valentine's day and bracelets.
We decided to create our very own Valentine's day bracelets and we even made some for our friends. These bracelets are really easy to make and a great way for kids to practice their fine motor skills. My 4 year old even got to practice her ABC's and building up words so it's great way to learn new letters and words.
I also have a one year old that insisted on having her own bracelet. I had to help make hers and she can only use it when I'm around since it's has small pieces that she could choke on if she were to get the bracelet undone. It is not easy to get the bracelet undone but something to keep in mind if you're doing this craft with little kids. This craft is ideal for kids 3 and older but because we're using pipe cleaners smaller kids won't have a hard time getting the beads in. Also, if you're doing it with smaller kids I would skip the letters.
Once we were done making these bracelets my daughter decided that everyone should make these for themselves and their friends and that's why I decide to share this simple way to incorporate Valentine's day in an activity. Plus you only need 3 materials which makes this craft really easy and practically mess free.
Before stringing the beads on the pipe cleaner create a stopper so that the beads do not slide off. This part should be done by an adult and can be done two ways. You will get two different looks depending on the stopper you use.
The first way is to tie a knot 1/3 way into the pipe cleaner.
The second way is to attach a bead to the end of the pipe cleaner by stringing a bead through the pipe cleaner and then twisting the pipe cleaner around it.
Let your child string the beads onto the pipe cleaner. It's a good idea to form the words they'll be adding to the bracelet before hand. Talk to your child and find out what they'd like to represent with their bracelet and have them find the letters they need to create that word.
The pipe cleaner holds its form so even toddlers can string the beads. Let your child practice forming patterns with the colored beads or just let their imagination run wild.
When you are adding the alphabet beads to the bracelets make sure to place a colored bead between each letter. This is a great time to practice letter recognition.
When you are done with the letters, add more colored beads following the same pattern as the first half of the bracelet.
If you're doing this with a smaller child, let them put whatever color beads they want – they don't have to follow a pattern.
If you used the knot method to start the bracelet you will want to tie another knot when you are done adding beads. This will keep the beads from sliding around. Next, add a single bead behind the knot and twist the pipe cleaner so that it stays in place. This bead will help you fit the bracelet to the correct size.
To fit the bracelet, string one end of the pipe cleaner through the bead you twisted on. Adjust the size so that the bracelet is just big enough to slide over your child's hand.
Once you have the right size, bend the pipe cleaner back over the bead. Twist the end of the pipe cleaner around the part of the pipe cleaner with the beads. Finally, feed the remaining pipe cleaner through the strung bead. Doing this will prevent the end of the pipe cleaner from poking your child.
Now they're ready! Let your kids wear them and wrap the rest for presents!
These bracelets are really easy to make and a great way for kids to practice their fine motor skills.