Remember when you were a child, and you and your best friend were going to be best friends forever (BFF)?
And live next door to each other…
And hang out all the time…
And your kids were going to be best friends too…
Friendship seems so much more intense when you're a kid. Making a friendship bracelet is a healthy outlet for all that intensity. They can learn how to make a friendship bracelet, and give them to all those best friends forever in their lives.
This craft is best suited to children over five or six, as it does require some tying and a small amount of hand-eye coordination. However, once they get the hang of it, there will be no stopping them! You'll have more DMC floss then you know what to do with. Do yourself a favor and pick up a small sewing box for them to keep it all in, or you'll find it all over the house.
How to Make a Friendship Bracelet
When you're ready to start learning how to make a friendship bracelet, gather the minimal supplies needed:
DMC Floss, multiple colors- (at any craft store or fabric store)
Tape
Step 1: Measure the string on your wrist, go around twice. That's the length you'll need to make a bracelet that will fit your wrist. Cut four pieces of floss, all the same length, and tie them together at the top, with a knot. Tape the floss to your pant leg, or the table to keep it steady.
Step 2: Take the string on the far left, and cross it over the string to its immediate right, it should look like a number four. Pull the string through the opening, and pull it up tight. Repeat.
Step 3: Take the first string over to the right, and repeat your actions above on the next string. Continue all the way across to make a row.
Step 4: Repeat the above steps for each new thread on the left until you get to the end of the string.
Step 5: Once you've reached the length you want, tie the end off with a knot, and then tie the two ends together on your wrist. Leave a little extra room, as your new bracelet will shrink a bit when it gets wet.
Wasn't that easy? You've just learned how to make a friendship bracelet. Making bracelets is a great activity for keeping kids occupied in the car, waiting at the doctor's office, or while attending a sibling's sporting event. Since the floss and tape are so small, they can be stuffed in a backpack, purse, or even in the pocket of your child's jeans. This would be a fun project for a scout meeting; you can combine the craft with a lesson on being a good friend.
Have each child pick a name out of a hat to be sure everyone gets a bracelet. The next time you're stuck for a fun new kids activity, give this one a try. The kids will love it – and improve their hand-eye coordination at the same time!
Crafts Kids Can Do With Friends
In addition to making friendship bracelets, your kids should do crafts with their friends! Doing crafts together can help your kids strengthen the bonds they have with their friends, while improving their fine motor skills and honing their creativity. There are tons of crafts that your kids can do with their friends, but here are some suggestions.
Have them decorate a wooden block. Assign each child a side, so that the entire block will be representative of everyone's creativity. Have the kids work on multiple blocks over time so everyone has one to take home. This is a great longer-term project for friends, since it will take them time to decorate a bunch of blocks! Being able to have something this personal will be very meaningful.
The kids can do solo crafts together, too. They can all talk while they work! Whether it's sharing school gossip, talking about their favorite T.V. show, or actually chatting about the craft they're doing, they will enjoy the opportunity to socialize while keeping their hands busy. Have them use cardboard tubes to make crafts, or hand them some felt and scissors and have them make something unique or cute!
Whatever craft you settle on for your child to do with their friends, they're all sure to make some fantastic, lasting memories together. Perhaps one of them will become inspired to pursue a deeper art interest from doing crafts! Use your own creativity in coming up with crafts for kids to do, and watch the fun ensue!