Tri-Bead Heart
Difficulty: Very Easy
Age: 3 and up
Average User Rating:
Parental supervision is recommended
;)
Decorate anything with a tri-bead heart. It's an easy, quick craft for kids that comes in especially handy around Valentine's Day.
What you'll need:
- 12" red pipe cleaner (chenille stem)
- 30 red translucent tri-beads (non-translucent beads may be used)
- Wire cutters (a good pair of scissors will work as well)
- Keychain (optional)
- Craft lace (optional)
How to make it:
- Cut the pipe cleaner in half. (Note: Save the other half for another project)
- Bend one end of the pipe cleaner into an "L" (about 1/4"). (Note: This keeps the beads from falling off when the child puts them on the pipe cleaner.)
- Add all the beads onto the pipe cleaner.
- Bend the other end of the pipe cleaner into an "L" shape.
- Twist the 2 "L" shapes together. Clip off any extra wire. Be sure to bend in any sharp edges.
- Bend into a heart shape.
- Add to a ribbon for a necklace, a key ring for a backpack, or attach to a Valentine.
Variations
You can skip the step of cutting the chenille stem in half and use the full stem to make larger hearts as well.
For key chains, thread craft lace through one of the beads on a completed heart as well as through the keychain itself. Tie off with a secure knot.
Use pony beads in addition to or instead of tri-beads for a different look!
Tips:
Get ready. Tri-beads and chenille stems are readily accessible at any discount department store that carries craft supplies. Precut the chenille stems before starting the project.
Be creative. You can use any color chenille stems and all sorts of beads. Experiment with different shades; let the children use their imaginations to create pretty designs. Pony beads work just as well as tri-beads, though tri-beads make it easier to bend into shape.
Keep it organized. To avoid beads all over the table and floor, put beads into a large shallow dish within reach of all children. If this is a group project, sort different colors into individual containers. Empty egg cartons make wonderful bead storage containers.
