Post by Destri of www.themotherhuddle.com

Every year we have a handmade tree for Christmas; making ornaments, garlands, and something to top the tree. The kids have fun and it’s a great way to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Of all the ornaments we have made these easy homemade bead Christmas ornaments are my most favorite. They are perfect for little fingers, require only a few inexpensive supplies and last for years, unlike most of the ornaments we have made that barely survive the season! Oh, and mess free. Definitely a plus.

We made these as a family one night, and then as a craft at our Christmas party as well. They are perfect for groups as you can just pass around a bowl of beads and felt. Try sitting on a carpeted area, or laying down a tablecloth so when beads are dropped they are easy to find. Of course you need to be smart with beads around kids under three. Our two year old loved this activity, and momma was there to make sure she didn’t mistake them for candy.

Easy Homemade Bead Christmas Ornaments Supplies:

• beads – I picked mine up at wal mart in the craft section, and the kids craft section
• large metal ornament hooks – they are thin enough that even jewelry beads fit over them
• cheap felt cut into circles – I say cheap because my nice stuff was to tough to put the hook through!
• needle nose pliers – you really could get by without them

Take your hooks and pinch the bottom loop so that it looks like shown. The first bead you put on should fit over the end to secure. Then straighten out the top so you can thread the beads on.

I set up shop on the floor, so if they dropped a bead it was easy to find. Then just put the beads and felt on! My three year old could do all the threading on his own, including the felt. I did have to pinch the bottom, and loop the top for him.

With the last bead about 3/4 of an inch from the end, loop the end into the last bead if it will fit, or just pinch at the top if not. This is where the needle nose pliers came in handy.

All done! Now just hook it onto a regular ornament hook to hang on the tree. I was worried that the holes on some of the beads were not going to be big enough, but even the jewelry beads slid right on.

So fun! We made a garland to go with them too. It has cotton balls and felt. So how about you, any favorite homemade ornaments?

Post by Destri of www.themotherhuddle.com