This beaded garland was one of the nature crafts from our Virtual March Break Camp last spring! It’s simple and fun to make, and the finished product is quite beautiful. These beads can especially be useful to share with your child during these pandemic days when routine has changed and anxiety can be high. I think I can safely say there are at least a few times in the day when at least one person in your family can use some down-regulation and focused breathing. Check out below for other sweet ways to use your garland!
But first, let’s make one together.
Beaded Garland Materials:
-assortment of wooden beads approx 18-30 count, and varying sizes (10-20mm)*
-36" thin, strong string of any kind (I used hemp)
-a charm of any kind (medium size)
-jute twine 50"
Directions:
1. Start with the Charm: Double the 36” strong string and feed the double loop through the charm hole. Feed it back through the loop at the end to create a long tail off the charm.
2. Feed Beads: Create a pattern with your beads and feed them on the doubled string! Set beaded string aside.
3. Make the tassle: Cut your jute twine into 7 pieces, each 6” long. Group all 7 pieces together and double them over, creating a thick loop. Feed the tail of your beaded string through this loop. Take an extra 5” of the hemp cord and bind the tassle near the top of the loop.
4. Finish Garland: Tie off the tail and feed the end back through the beads closest to the tassle! Presto!
If you use natural beads, this tool gets even more beautiful and special the older it gets and the more it is used - something that happens with most nature crafts!
Here’s a few practical ways to teach your child to use their new beaded garland at home as a meditation tool:
•count each bead
•roll the beads between their fingers one by one
•repeat a mantra, one word for each bead
•inhale one bead, exhale the next
Sending love and good vibes today into everybody’s home. We can do hard things.
Hugs,
Megan