Category: Kid's Arts and Crafts

These little felt birds make a cute accent to any coffee table or table center. You can make them in any color, which makes it easy to highlight different seasons. I always like to make at least 2 or 3 at a time so that I can group them together on my table. Because their legs are flexible, you can also perch them places by wrapping their legs around something. I have even wrapped their legs around sturdy flowers in a flower arrangement. These tiny birdies are a cheerful decoration for any occasion!

Difficulty level: Beginner
Time required: 10 minutes
Age range: 10+

Things you’ll need:
Felt squares (cut into circles about 2 1/2 in. in diameter)
Crafting wire
Scissors
Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Things to do:
1. Cut a piece of craft wire that crosses the diameter of your felt circle.
2. Glue your craft wire stip along the diameter of your felt circle.
3. Fold your felt circle in half along the wire center.
4. Bend one end of your semi-circle to create the bird’s head.
5. Bend the other end of your semi-circle in the opposite direction to create the tail.
6. Cut another piece of crafting wire about 2-3 inches long.
7. Twist your wire around your felt circle near your tail to make your bird’s feet.
8. Cut your bird’s wings by making a slanted cut near your tail.
9. Flare out your bird’s wings and tail.
10. Bend the ends of your bird’s wire feet to stand it up on your table.

Making friendship bracelets out of drinking straws is a great way to make personalized beads while staying green! I used washi tape to decorate my straw beads because it makes it easier to make sure that each bead remains the same size. Just cut along the width of your tape, and you will have the same size bead every time. Use different colors of washi tape to make all different colors of beads. You can even feel free to make a pattern with your beads. This is a great way to show someone how special they are to you. Make one for you and one for a friend!

Difficulty level: Beginner
Time required: 25 minutes
Age range: 8+

Things you’ll need:
Drinking straws ( I used 3 to make mine.)
Washi tape
Rattail cord
Scissors

Things to do:
1. Wrap a strip of washi tape around the very top of your drinking straw.
2. Cut along the bottom of your strip of tape to make a bead.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you have enough beads to make a bracelet.
4. Cut a long piece of yarn (about 4-5 feet long).
5. Slip one bead onto your yarn and slide it to the middle of your yarn.
6. String the next bead onto one end of your yarn.
7. Slip the other end of your yarn through your bead in the other direction.
8. Pull both ends of your yarn tight so that your bead is secure.
9. Repeat steps 6-8 until you have enough beads on your bracelet.
10. Tie a knot at the end of your bracelet.
11. Leave about 3″ of yarn at the end and cut of the extra yarn.
12. Cut a 6″ piece of yarn and thread it through the bead at the other end of your bracelet.
13. Tie a knot at this end of your bracelet to match the other end.
14. To wear your bracelet, tie both ends of yarn into a bow and slip it over your wrist.
15. Make one for a friend!