Make beaded bracelets
Choose beads to echo the colors in your tote, then write a birthday wish for the guest of honor.
Activity steps
- Lay out a bead bar,Hang the prestrung birthday garlands above the design table, using tested removable mounting tape and keeping cords clear of guests. Before guests arrive, test that the chosen beads slide easily onto the elastic cord and that its recommended knot holds without glue or a clasp. Cover a table area for each group of six. Give each guest a shallow bead tray and about 30 larger craft beads. Set out shared rulers, removable tape and scissors; an adult helps measure and cut about 60 cm of elastic per guest.
- Build your color pattern,Tape one end of the cord to the tray so beads stay on while you work. Lay out a short repeating pattern, then string the beads. Check the length gently around your wrist before adding the last beads; leave enough bare cord for a comfortable fit and a secure knot. Keep spare beads in the tray.
- Finish a bracelet that fits,An adult helps tie the cord using its maker’s recommended knot. Follow any prestretching and finishing directions, check that the bracelet slips on comfortably, and tug gently to check the knot before trimming the ends. If the chosen cord cannot hold securely with a knot alone, change to suitable knotting cord before the party.
- Give the birthday person a kind wish,Use one blank card and shared markers to write or draw a wish for the birthday person. Guests may read their wish aloud, let a helper share it, or hand it over quietly. Gather the cards for the guest of honor, wear the finished bracelets, and collect every loose bead before clearing the table.
Choose beads large enough to handle comfortably, and test the bead holes with your cord in advance. This plan assumes a cord designed for a knot closure without glue or clasps. Avoid stretching bracelets toward faces.
Shopping list for 6 people
- Large-hole craft beads — 180 beads
- Elastic cord for knotted bracelets — 4 m
- Shallow trays for bead work — 6 trays
- Rulers to share — 2 rulers
- Scissors to share — 3 pairs
- Removable paper tape — 1 roll
- Blank cards for messages, names and votes — 6 cards
- Washable marker assortment — 1 set
- Wipeable table cover — 1 cover
- Rainbow birthday garlands — 1 set
Use supplies you already have. Enable JavaScript to adjust guests and mark what you need.