*post includes affiliate links to help support this blog
It didn't start with Taylor Swift! I remember bracelet making when I was a tween and teen! It is a program that doesn't go out of style and attracts all ages. It's one of those programs you announce, and they just come! I always have these supplies on hand, and I put them together often. They ask for this program - begging and enticing are not needed (I know you all know what I mean)!
I set up the room with the tables in a square so the kids could easily converse with one another. This program is definitely a social hour. I put on some music in the background (the initial silence can be awkward for newbies) and supplies are set up on a table off to the side.
The key to making the program successful is offering a variety of bracelet-making supplies. I have found that there are preferences! The supplies are out on one main table. The kids grab an activity tray, gather the supplies they intend to use, and go to their seats to get to work. These trays (https://amzn.to/44Chzfi) will help make this program run smoothly (trust me here)!
Here are the types of bracelets and supplies we use:
Rainbow Loom
Rainbow loom bracelets are made out of tiny colored rubber bands. A loom can be used; you can make one out of pencils (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAXDxrDNoHU), or you can use your fingers. Most kids already know how to do this with their fingers, but many tutorials are online (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpF2PQk9rrc).
Supplies:
Rainbow Loom Rubber Bands: https://amzn.to/4dMThU4
Clay & Letter Beads
These are your Swiftie bracelets. Thin beads mixed with letter or other beads. These are pretty self-explanatory.
Supplies:
Letter Beads: https://amzn.to/3QQDQ3A
Clay Beads: https://amzn.to/4aoWpmg
Letter Beads: https://amzn.to/3QQDQ3A
Bracelet Cord: https://amzn.to/4bE7WiH
Pony Bead Bracelets
Also known as "Kandi Cuffs," there are so many designs you can make with these, and some of my kids get elaborate, making huge 3 dimensional cuffs and animals. Great example, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr_XHG604do
Supplies:
Pony Beads: https://amzn.to/4asln4h & https://amzn.to/3WRwfpf
Cord: https://amzn.to/3wTUUin
Tip: Make sure you secure your knots! The elastic cord can be tricky to work with. See a tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAMMbCFsEB0
Charm Bracelets
You can buy charms, or make your own! Charms can be made out of shrinky film, polymer clay (requires baking), or small resin items. I recommend you assign the drilling of resin items to an adult. It does take a steady hand. Needle-nose pliers will be a huge help in adding the eye screws and opening/closing the jump rings.
Supplies:
Blank Charm Bracelets: https://amzn.to/4bUdA0k
Ready-Made Charms: https://amzn.to/3wXly9W
Resin Charms (you will need the drill for these): https://amzn.to/4dXALsa
Shrinky Film: https://amzn.to/4bvmD87
Heat Gun (for shrink material): https://amzn.to/4bQgZNA
Jump Rings: https://amzn.to/4bTGc9P
Pliers: https://amzn.to/3R26ej9
Drill & Eye Screws: https://amzn.to/3Vfjgwc & https://amzn.to/3Vf67TR
Polymer Clay: https://amzn.to/3WUrHOQ
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