Last Fall (yes, it takes me this long to post things sometimes) I was invited to set up a table at my children’s early childhood alma mater for their annual craft fair. I thought long and hard about what to do with the kids. I couldn’t do something with paint because most parents don’t want to travel around a fair with wet artwork. It had to be open-ended, with not too much explaining, and easy enough for 3-yr olds. And it had to be inviting and colorful. This is a tall order. I came up with these pipe cleaner wands, and thankfully they were a huge hit! Definitely some prep work involved, but my kids helped and we did it the night before while watching a movie ♡.
Read on for the supply list and more details…
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SUPPLIES:
~ Pipe cleaners (I bought brights
~ Pony beads
~ Bowls and jars for display (I bought my milk jars
PROCESS:
1. Take two pipe cleaners and twist them together. At the top, form a shape. Make many of these.
2. Let your kids make a few samples.
3. Display them in jars. Separate beads by color and put them in bowls. Pre-cut some tape and secure pieces to plates.
4. Tell kids they can use beads and tape to make their wand. Let them create!
This set-up would work really well at a birthday party or a family gathering, too. It’s just so simple, and great for both boys and girls.
Let me know if you try this!
xo, Bar
This looks like a fantastic, fun, and whimiscal craft. I love the fine-motor skills practice these cute wands give to kids. What a great activity to use for quite time too. Thanks for the great idea!
thank you, Deborah!! I’m so glad this activity speaks to you. I set this up for a craft fair and the best part was that the children all knew just what to do without any instructions. they all turned out original. so even a craft can have some process-art aspect to them. hope you try these!! xo Bar
Trying your craft out at a birthday party for my twins turning 6 next weekend! We have a magician coming so these will be the magic wands they can all use. Great idea! (fingers crossed it gets the 5 & 6 year olds attention!)
hi Jen, how did it go? dying to know if the kids got into it. i hope so!!!! thanks for trying!! xo bar