When I saw this craft over at Family Fun, I just thought it was the sweetest thing ever. So I got all the supplies and my kids and I got to work.
Some things I realized:
1. The craft at Family Fun calls for 18-gauge wire. For some reason, I can never find it. I used 16-gauge and it was okay.
2. Wire is sharp. Especially the 16-gauge and heavier kind. And it can be a huge pain in the butt if you aren't a wire professional. I am not a wire professional and step #2 just about drove me crazy. I'm just not any good at using wire cutters to twist wire. After that step, though, the rest was a breeze.
3. I would recommend doing this craft with kids older than 3 and 5. We were able to finish three stars each by staggering them over a couple of days, but the wire wrapping can get a little tedious for the young ones.
Wired Star
Supplies
3-foot length of 18- (or 16-) gauge gold (or silver) colored craft wire
Small jump rings like these (or you can use a little bit of the extra lightweight wire to make a loop)
Star-shaped cookie cutter
Wire cutters
20- to 24-gauge colored lightweight wire
Ribbon
Iridescent beads
Make sure a grown-up does the first two steps. And don't yell at me if you cut yourself on the stupid wire.
Grown-Up Job: Use wire cutter to twist the ends together and cut off any excess. Stupid, stupid step.
Take one end of a piece of the lightweight colored wire and secure it by wrapping it around the star outline.
Wrap away! When you get to the end of each piece of colored wire, just twist it around the star a little.
Use whatever colors your child wants and go for it! For extra fanciness, thread some pretty beads onto the wire as you wrap the star.
Sometimes the stars won't be a perfect star-shape, but that adds to the child-made charm!
Attach the little jump ring to the top of your star and thread a ribbon through.
We gave ours to the grandparents (we love you!), so I printed up some little tags.
So pretty, right?
Peyton and Ella were so proud! I like that this is a very sturdy craft that will last forever. The second step I really, really disliked, that's true. But the end result was worth my pain and irritation. And wine helps, too. I'm just saying.
Happy Crafting!
5 comments:
Tell James thanks for making a 4th star for me! He's so thoughtful! Gosh I love that guy!!! xoxo
Thanks for the tips! I hope no one was injured in the making of stars (ie: Mom!) Merry Christmas!
Cute, cute stars. I'll have to make some of these.
Don't you just love these! I've been making them ever since I first saw them in Family Fun. They are so pretty. I have several that I hang from my dining room light over the table. So pretty! I like your addition of the beads. Gonna have to try that.
---Tif
Thank you for this! I love ideas, particularly for boys who can spend hours on a PS2, that will help with coordination, attention span, etc. I helped my son make his presents this year and he especially enjoyed making a fabric-wrapped bowl.
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