by claire coshan

Created on: August 13, 2010   Last Updated: August 14, 2010

Teaching kids the art of crafting can be really rewarding, they can have the joy of making something handmade and unique. But if they can create something that they can then use whilst they are playing they can feel an even bigger sense of pride.

A paper handbag.

These can be made really easily and decorated beautifully, the kids can use them to keep small, light things in like hairclips or bracelets, you can hang them up as decorations or they can simply play at being mummy for a while!

You/they will need:

• Pencil

• Ruler

• Paper, crepe or otherwise

• PVA or any water based glue

• Coloured pens and/or sequins/glitter glue

• Small length of ribbon (for the handles)

Step 1: They will need to measure 20cm by 10cm on the paper, if you are using crepe paper then make sure they cut parallel with the ridges on the paper. Get them to draw a light line on the paper marking where they need to cut. Using safety scissors (depending on how old they are) have them cut out the paper.

Step 2: Fold the paper in half and let them draw slanted edges from top to bottom with the ruler and pencil and then they can cut along the edges. If you are using crepe paper then stretch the top of the bag; this will make a nice edge.

Step 3:  Have them glue the edges together and glue one end of the ribbon inside each corner of the top of the bag to form the handles. Let them decorate the bag however they want using the pens, sequins and/or glitter glue (you an use glitter and the pva, but glitter glue is far less messy!)

Making jewelry is an excellent way to keep children entertained and it gives them a chance to appreciate the value of a hand made piece of jewelry. 

You will need:

• A length of ribbon (between 1 ½ and 2m depending on how long you want the necklace)

• Beads.(Make sure the hole is big enough to thread the ribbon through).

• Scissors

• Matches

Step 1. Have them tie a knot near one end of the ribbon; it should be about 8-9 cm from the end.

Step 2. Get them to thread a bead onto the ribbon until it reaches the knot. Then they need to tie another knot the other side of the bead to secure it into place. It should be right next to the bead to stop it from moving around.

Step 3.Have them tie another knot in the ribbon, where they tie it will depend on how far apart they want their beads to be. They should then thread another bead and repeat step 2.

Step 4.They need to repeat this until they have the desired number of beads. Make sure they leave about 8-9 cm of ribbon free.

Step 5.Please note that you must do this yourself, do not allow the children to do it.  Light a match and carefully run it along the very end of the ribbon, this should be done for no more than 2 seconds per end. This will seal the ends and stop them from fraying.

.Step 6: Get the kids to tie both ends together.

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