Recycled Lid Necklaces

To celebrate Earth Day we wanted to focus on activities this week that included the re-use of various items.  We were also interested in trying circle weaving so we combined the two!

This activity was featured on The Crafty Crow- an amazing collection of creativity!

http://www.thecraftycrow.net/2015/05/stitched-plastic-lid-necklaces.html

Materials

• Colourful plastic lids (we used ones from Playdoh)
• Drill or hammer/nails (For adult use or depending on your age and abilities, with direct supervision and safety gear)
• Embroidery floss
• Needle
• Beads
• Scissors (Whoops!  We accidentally forgot to include them in the supply photo! Our apologies.)

Directions

• Have an adult drill holes into your lids for you.  For the weaving we went with a hole in the centre and those around the perimeter. (Make sure to make an odd number of perimeter holes.)  For the other lids we did a hole in the centre, some around the perimeter and then we tried other spots as well.  We found that with our choice of lids and drill we were able to drill over a small carpet sample, quickly and effectively making the holes.  Be sure to exercise caution around power tools and wear safety gear.

• Knot your embroidery floss and sew through your holes creating designs.

• Younger children can do something a bit more abstract.

• For the circle weaving we started off in the centre and made an odd number spokes going out to the holes on the perimeter.  We then chose a different colour and went up through the middle and then went over and under the spokes.  With the next round we made sure to do the opposite from the last round (so if the floss went under, then next time around it goes over etc.).  When we wanted to switch colours we tied a knot to the next colour choice and continued one, tucking the knot under the previous round of floss and hiding it with the next.  To finish the edges we sewed around the perimeter holes going up and down.

• If you have two existing holes in your design near the opposite edges (so a left and right) use this to lace on your beads with your embroidery floss to form a necklace.  If not, have an adult drill two more holes for you.

• Lace your necklace and enjoy!

• Take a contemplation break and admire your siblings’ work!

Purpose

• Re-using/re-imagining
• Developing fine motor skills (lacing, sewing, circle weaving etc.)

Safety Notes

• Exercise care and use scissors and a needle with adult supervision.
• Based on your age and abilities, a drill is recommended for adult use or with direct adult supervision and teaching.
• Beads can be a choking hazard, therefore be sure to keep them out of the reach of children 0-3 years of age or those that tend to put things in their mouths.
• Embroidery floss, cord etc. can be a strangulation hazard therefore, do not use it for play, but rather for its intended use.  Be sure to remove your necklace for play (e.g., on the playground etc.) or use a child-safe release clasp.