Craft Parts Blog

How To Make A Necklace!

For younger children, a wooden necklace is a great craft to make, during vacation Bible school or even at home. If you are looking for vacation Bible school crafts, you have come to the right place! In this article you will learn how to make a simple craft like a necklace and will be able to instill valuable life lessons in your children.

Before you begin this craft you should have several items handy. Those items are:
1. String (or yarn)
2.Wooden beads, these can be found online or at your local craft store)
3. Paint or anything to decorate your beads with
4. Paper plates- give one of these to your kids individually with the exact number of beads they will need.
5. Craft paper to cover your work space with so it will not get messy.
6. Craft Wire if you want a simple necklace of too had jewels or other ornaments.

Now that you have the above items you can begin helping your children assemble their necklaces.
As they walk in to the classroom, have them sit around the table. Explain to them the craft that they will be making today and give them a short speech on the importance of sharing. You can incorporate a Biblical message into your craft, or if at home you can make a list of all the people you would like to make a special necklace for. Making crafts with kids can be a tremendous amount of fun not only for them but for you too.
Explain the craft to them and pass out the paper plates to each child gathered around the table. Tell them to paint their beads or color them with assorted markers or crayons. Once your children have finished decorating their beads you can set aside the paper plates so they can have time to dry (if you used paints or glue). Allow at least 20 minutes and while you are waiting you can get the class involved in a Bible story or family time. Get them to use their imaginations and brainstorm about what they think kids did for fun thousands of years ago.
When your beads are dry, you can begin making your necklace. Ask the children to string one wooden bead at a time and encourage them to make patterns. When they are finished stringing their beads, help them tie the loose ends.
If you want more ideas for crafts with wooden beads, look online to find other beads made out of Christian symbols. You might be able to find things like hearts, crosses, stars, etc.
This project is great and simple for children 6 and up.

Making a puzzle out of wood

Your child probably has plenty of toys of their own but how many of their toys have been hand crafted by you? A bright and vibrant wooden puzzle is a simple project for those who may not be as crafty as others.
There are only a few supplies needed before you begin this project. Here below, we listed out the materials that you need to have on hand.
1. A jigsaw- This is important as it will be the easiest way to cut your wood.
2. Stencils- You can use this to trace your design on the wood before you cut it.
3. Paint
4. Screw and Nails
5. Wire cutters & accessories
6. Pieces of wood
7. Super glue
8. Hinges and Brass

Now that you have the supplies listed above you can begin creating your puzzle. The first thing you want to do is figure out what design you want on your puzzle. You can use stencils to trace your design and color them in with paint.
Depending on the age of the child you are making the puzzle for, you can do a variety of different designs. For example, pick a farm theme for a younger child. Choose something that uses a lot of different bright colors so you can captivate your child’s interest.
Once you have finished painting your design and it has completely dried, you can begin cutting. Imagine what a puzzle looks like and begin cutting whatever shapes and designs you want. Be sure to keep in mind the child that you are making this for. You do not want to make something too complicated for younger children.
Once your puzzle has been cut, you are ready to place the screws or nails on the individual pieces. Cut the needle point out of the thumbtack so all you are left with is a smooth end. Glue a thumb tack to each puzzle piece. This will make it easier for children to pick up the pieces. Make sure you use super glue and you can use a rubber band to hold the thumb tack to the puzzle while it dries.
Once your project has completely dried you can make a frame for the finished puzzle. Use a flat piece of wood that is slightly larger than your puzzle and cut four pieces of wood to frame it with. This will serve as a cradle for your puzzle. If you would like, you can even outline the different cuts on the stationary piece of wood to make it easier for your child to put the puzzle back together.
Once you have finished your project completely you are ready to give it to your child. This gift will be something that your child will grow to cherish. Keep it around and give it to the future generations. A handmade puzzle is certainly an heirloom and something to enjoy for many years!

*(adult supervision ages 10 and up)

If you find yourself cooped up inside with your children all day and are eager for some ideas that will keep your kids happily occupied; a bird house is the perfect and safe craft that will provide your kids with hours of entertainment.

The finished project is something your children are sure to be proud of and can be displayed in your backyard!

There are several things parents should have handy before you begin making your bird house. Below, we listed out several items you want to have before you start building:

1. Glue- any type of wood super glue

2. Paint and brushes- nontoxic and non-staining

3. Sandpaper- Any that you have handy will work fine

4. Dowel rod- Just 2- 2 ½ inches long

5. Eye hook screw

6. Screwdriver

7. Large tin canister- empty and industrial sized

Before you begin it is important to remember that this is a craft that should be done under the supervision of adults. Never leave your children unattended with the listed above tools.

The first step is to make sure there are no sharp edges on the empty can. If there are some rough spots you can cover them with paper tape.

Next you want to drill a hole in the side of the can. Only adults should do this part and goggles should always be worn. Using a drill bit that large enough for a bird to pass through, drill into the side of the can. If the rough edges cannot be smoothed, you can have your children glue a pipe cleaner along the hole just cut.

You then want to paint the can. This is a great opportunity for your young children to participate. Have them paint the can whatever color they choose and then set the can aside to dry.

Once the can has dried you can assemble the rest of the bird house. Make sure the can is standing up where the lid that has been removed is facing down. Glue a small cut dowel rod just under the hole in the can- this will be your perch for the birds.

Next, you can glue a square of wood large enough to cover the open can. Use glue that is strong enough to bond the metal and piece of wood.

After the glue has dried completely you can place a eye hook screw in the top of the can. Thread some pretty ribbon or yarn through the screw and tie it to a tree in your backyard!

Your finished project will most certainly attract a variety of birds and your children will love being able to be a part of something so unique!