Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Magic Stone Necklaces

Magic Stone NecklacesWhen we went camping last month I brought along a few crafts to keep the kids busy should it rain. Though we didn't have much rain this was a very popular activity with both the boys and girls, young and teen--magic necklaces.

Maybe it's the effects of Harry Potter mania left over from July but the kids all liked making their very own Magic Stone necklaces and have worn them around ever since.

You'll need: a spool of suede lacing, some gold craft wire and an assortment of cool rocks and sea shells of an appropriate size for a necklace. I bought some bits of swirled colored glass at the craft store that were fun and looked "magical" but you could also find your own (great for camping). Beach glass, pretty rocks, sea shells on the beach--all would make beautiful creations.

To wrap it treat the wire like ribbon on a package: start out by laying the wire over the top of the rock, holding it securely with your thumb, then bring it down to cross underneath the rock. Give it a 90 degree twist then bring it back around to the top where you twist it again, then back down again for another twist and up again for the final twist. Each twist tightens the wire more securely than you could by merely wrapping it. When you come up for the final twist, loop one end and wrap the other around it at its base to make the circle for the lace to pass through.

Even Harry himself couldn't have a better amulet.

Check in with Rocks in My Dryer every Wednesday for other good tips.

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21 comments:

Joyful Days said...

Hey!! I want one. That is cool.

Mrs. O said...

Another great idea! My kids will think these are pretty cool.

Wish we had some rain to make it a complete craft day.

la bellina mammina said...

Great idea - maybe this could be your sat giveaway?! ;-)

Anonymous said...

That's an excellent idea. I think it works with small river pebbles too, paint it a favourite color and you're good to go. :D Thanks for the idea!

Anonymous said...

Cute! I made these at camp this year, too!

Lauri said...

My kids are going to love these, thanks for the idea!

Anonymous said...

Although I am not sure my daughter is quite ready for these we are so going to try!!! We are going to look for rocks this weekend while camping. Seriously woman you are my idol!

Gill said...

This is a great idea - I will definitely be bringing it out for my daughter on a rainy day. Thanks!

Daisy said...

Picking their own rocks or pieces of beach glass would make it even more personal. Great project!!!

Alexandra said...

I love those. I used to make those when I was a teenager with shells and seaglass. The shells were the easiest because I'd find flat smooth pieces with the holes already in them for hanging. Good tip! :)

The Estrogen Files said...

Michelle, will you be my mom? Seriously, I learn so much from your blog! Thanks.

Girl Gone Wild - BibleStyle said...

What a great idea!! My youngest really likes crafts and necklaces so this is a winner for me!!

Heather said...

What a coincidence... Matthew asked me this morning if we could make a necklace with his shark tooth he found. Great idea!

Shawna said...

So pretty and what a great idea! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

This is amazing. We just might be able to do this one!!

Anonymous said...

I put this on sk*rt.

Anonymous said...

That looks like fun!

Michelle Alley said...

Love this idea! I did this one with some copper colored wire and a turquoise rock! Fun craft!

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a good one, I still have your 'hinge-to-book' idea saved to try at some point. Have you ever tried tie-dye with the kids? Messy, yes, but lots of fun! picture here

Anonymous said...

those are really nice! Great instructions too! Thanks!

Deb (aka bobo) said...

Those look really fun. Thanks for the idea!

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