One of the categories on Jewels and Finery is the "Children's Beads".
Or also called "Young at Heart beads" - brightly coloured plastic or wood beads, with a larger threading hole and so suitable for children.
We offer smaller packets of recycled children's beads, some dating back to the fifties and sixties and some the modern newer type.
All the beads have been used and as with most of our vintage beads have been washed or cleaned thoroughly
When we have a large number of brightly coloured beads. We wash and sort into the same type, same colour or create a mixed bag of beads. Then we package them into smaller plastic resealable bags.
We have chosen to offer a smaller number of recycled beads per pack than the bead companies that sell new beads. Simply because when a child is faced with a large number of same looking beads for the first time, many become bored quickly and they end up on the floor!
The smaller packs enable a child to create a necklace or a bracelet easily without hundreds of beads left over. Next time a different pack of beads can be used to make more jewellery. If your child wants to continue making jewellery - then buy larger packs or several smaller packs to create that something a bit different. Less waste and less mess to clear up.
How To Make A Simple Bead Bracelet?
Read instructions first
1. Select a piece of thread. You can use nylon or plastic thread, jewellery elastic, cord, embroidery silk, string or even a shoe lace. Any thread as long as it goes through the bead's threading holes
2. Wrap the thread around your wrist twice and cut to length.
3. Take a thin strip of paper, wrap around your wrist once. Cut to length. This will be your template and can be used many times
4. Sort out your beads and lay them out below your paper template (You may find it easier to use a towel on top of a table. As this stops the beads rolling about)
5. When you are happy with the bead pattern - start to string the beads. A small knot in one end of the thread will stop the beads slipping off.
6. When all the beads are on the thread. Put around your wrist and tie a knot several times. The thread ends are best left longer as this makes it easier to untie when you want to take your bracelet off.
7. You may want to undoe the first knot at the end of your thread - the one used to stop the beads slipping off or tie a matching knot on the other end.
8. Remember safety and hygiene.
9. Wash hands before and after making your bracelet. Not is it hygienic but dirt (or chocolate) can ruin your jewellery creations
10. Never put beads in your mouth as you can swallow them and choke. Never leave beads around if you have a little brother or sister as they may put them into their mouths. Always tidy away your beads after use.
11. Take care when using scissors and put them in a safe place after use (do not leave them on the chair beside you where they can cut your leg!)
12. Unused beads are better kept in resealable plastic bags and placed in a larger plastic box or tin (The large sweet and biscuit tins that you can get at Christmas are ideal) In fact keep all the materials, beads and equipment in one place for next time
Be adventurous - use a variety of beads. This bracelet was created using all recycled children's plastic beads, mock pearl beads and white Hama beads
Making beaded jewellery will help children's hand and eye coordination develop. Encourage them to be creative. Once mastered making simple bracelets and necklaces. Then suitable clasps and earring findings can be purchased. Brooches and hair jewellery, phone charms and tiaras. Not forgetting beaded bags, belts and even beaded clothes can be made
Hand made beaded jewellery makes great gifts for friend and relatives.
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