Havasu Magazine's Crafts for Kids, Old Favorites
Copyright © 2008 Robeth Publishing, LLC
Pasta Jewelry
Creative crafters learned long ago that the dried macaroni found in the grocery store had far more uses than being cooked up into casseroles or for the labor day picnic salad. Whose imagination isn't sparked with the wide array of shapes, sizes and string-a-ability found in dried pasta and noodles. Back when cigar boxes were more accessible, a favorite project was fashioning a pattern onto the box top, by gluing on dried pasta shapes and beans. After the pattern had dried, the crafter then spray painted the entire box surface. Gold was usually the preferred color of choice.
Another popular project is jewelry making. Most kids enjoy stinging beads, mixing and matching the different shapes and colors into interesting patterns. Yet, purchasing beads can be a costly endeavor, especially if you are attempting to entertain a large group of children.
It's easy to transform string-able macaroni and pasta into colorful *beads*. We suggest an adult handle the coloring portion of this craft.
Materials Needed:
Rubbing alcohol
Food coloring
Small bowls (one bowl for each color desired)
Variety of macaroni and other string-able pasta
Waxed dental floss
Paper towel
Directions:
Have an adult pour some rubbing alcohol into each bowl, and add a drop of food coloring into the liquid until it reaches the desired shade. Place the pasta or macaroni into the solution to dye. After it has reached its desired color, allow to completely dry on the paper towel.
Place the pasta into clean dry bowls, separating and organizing by color and shape. Measure off an appropriate length of dental floss, and allow the child to begin stringing his or her necklace. When completed, securely tie together the ends.
If you would like to make bracelets or anklets, try using thin stretchable elastic instead of dental floss.
