Above Left: String your beads on lanyard cord and you can make keychains, zipper pulls and backpack charms, as well as necklaces and bracelets. Above Right: With elastic cord and a single bead, that's flat on one side, you can make either a ring or a ponytail holder. With elastic cord and an assortment of beads you can make a bracelet, a napkin ring, or even a decorative ponytail holder.
Ever heard of making beads from sand? I hadn't either until I was researching another craft project for this blog and came across this wonderful idea. Who would have thought that sand and glue could result in such a simply satisfying project. And what better way to make memories of summer than creating something that will remind you of the beach, or even the local sandbox!
In just a few simple steps the entire family can enjoy creating useful memories of summer, so be sure to have plenty of white glue on hand!
Above: String un-colored beads on an elastic cord for beachy napkin rings, or on a plastic lanyard for a simple necklace. Make magnets from dome-shaped beads that were made with no hole, by simply gluing a small magnet on to the back of each bead.
You'll Need:
- Clean sand
- White Glue
- A plastic spoon and bowl
- Toothpicks, skewers, nails
- Markers or paint
- String, elastic cord or plastic lanyard cord
Here's How: You won't believe how simple it actually is!
Step 1: Mix together 1 cup sand with 1/4 cup white glue. Mix well to make a stiff dough. If the dough seems too dry, or seems to fall apart easily, add a bit more glue.
Step 2: Shape beads, poke a hole in the center of each with a toothpick, skewer or nail, and set aside to dry for at least 24 hours.
Step 3: After beads are totally dry and hard, you can color them with markers. Just don't use your best markers, as the roughness of the beads is hard on markers. Permanent markers actually work the best, though certainly are not suitable for young children!
Step 4: Now you can string your beads! You can use elastic cord, plastic lanyard cord or even string. If you like you can combine the beads you've made with other smaller wooden or glass beads for a very finished look.
Tips:
•Make sure the holes you make are big enough for the cord or string you plan to use! Once the beads have dried they are quite hard, and enlarging holes afterwards may not only be very difficult, but may cause beads to crack or chip.
•Beads can be made in many shapes and sizes, take the time to experiment. And just think, you can even make buttons or small decorative tiles to use in your next craft project!
Enjoy these last days of summer by creating together, and you'll not only have something to show for your time well spent, but also warm memories to last you all winter long!
