Coronavirus is showing us some serious sticking power and I don’t think it will be going away anytime soon. (THIS IS COMING FROM AN OPTIMIST, you guys!)
The best we can do is greet it head-on and use our creativity to bring about a sense of fun and function!
ENTER: THE MASKLACE!
I first learned about masklaces from the OH-SO-STELLAR lady behind P.S. – I Made This. She posted a picture of them on Instagram and I knew we had to tackle this project, too! Search the hashtag “masklace” for all sorts of masklace inspo
WHAT YOU NEED:
Perler beads
string or cord
2 key ring clips or “lobster” clasps (ours are from the dollar store!)
scissors
HOW TO MAKE:
Decide how long you want your masklace to be in order to cut the appropriate length of string. We left some extra room for tying!
Tie one end of your string to the bottom of a key ring clip. We triple-knotted just to be extra sure!
Thread Perler beads onto your string until you reach (almost!) the end of your string. You can make a pattern or do a more haphazard approach, like my youngest!
Tie the other end of the string to the bottom of another key ring clip, just as you did before.
Feel free to trim off any excess string!
Attach one key ring clip to each ear loop of your favourite face mask and mask-on in style!
ACTIVITY EXTENSION:
Wouldn’t these be so fun to do with a group of colleagues, students, or family members?! Even done via Zoom, this would be a total blast! (And don’t forget about THEMED masklaces for Halloween and Christmas!)
CONNECTION STARTERS:
Why are we wearing masks?
When is it important to wear a mask?
How do you wear a mask properly?
How does wearing a mask make you feel?
What other steps can we take to protect ourselves and each other from coronavirus?
How are you choosing which colours of beads to use?
Which of your friends would enjoy making a masklace?
THINGS TO CELEBRATE & ENCOURAGE:
fine motor skills while threading beads onto string
identifying or generating patterns
identifying colors
engaging in conversation starters
wearing their mask!
Mask-wearing just got so much more fun, right? And also, my girls are so excited to wear their masks now! Love a craft that encourages buy-in, especially during pandemics
Tag us on Instagram @theartstadium so we can see your masklaces!!!
Stay healthy, Sweet Crafters, and HAPPY CONNECTING!
XOXO,
Lindsay
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