Here is a two in one eco-friendly kid’s craft that is a great way to keep kids busy for hours. What do you do with plastic bags that have now become the new eco-enemy? Well you make them into beads, of course. This is a two part craft as first you make the beads then you make the jewelry. This eco-friendly kid’s craft is also economical as you no longer have to buy jewelry making kits for your kids, and everything can be found around the house.

Stuff you need:

• Glue
• Scrap paper (magazine, newspaper etc…) or plastic grocery bag (preferably the part where there is some color)
• Paint brush
• Thin straws
• Thread or ribbon
• Scissors

What to do:

1. Cut the bag or paper into a triangle about 3 inches long (note: the length of the bottom of the triangle will be the length of the bead)
2. Put a coat of glue on the inside of the triangle
3. Put the straw in the broad end and wrap the paper or bag around it
4. Brush a coat of mod podge craft glue or watered down regular glue (1 part glue to 1 part water) over the bead (careful don’t get it in the holes at either end)
5. Let the bead dry over night or for 12 hours, you may want to add extra coats of glue for added shire just remember to let it dry for a few hours
6. Once dry cut the excess straw off and then sting beads on thread or ribbon and make jewelry

A quick tip would be to make some beads out of plastic bags and others out of paper so that you have an array of beads to choose from. Also, this eco-friendly kid’s craft will create fun jewelry especially if you vary the size of the beads and paint the newspaper before using it. Children will get a sense of pride from making and wearing their own jewelry creations.

This is an eco-friendly children’s activity that is for slightly older kids, probably 5-10yrs old.  As always, have fun with your eco-friendly kid’s crafts.