Seed and Corn Necklaces
Materials:
- Dried beans (several different kinds and colors)
- Dried corn which has already been removed from the cob
- Dried corn on the cob ("Indian" corn)
- 1 yard heavy thread or dental floss for each child
- 1 tapestry needle for each child
- finger bandages (just in case somebody gets stuck!)
Prepare the strings in advance by threading the needles and knotting the end. Prepare the beans and dried corn by soaking overnight in water.
Steps to Take:
- Show the children the ear of dried corn (Not the corn you soaked!) and show them how the kernels can be removed from the cob. (Twist the cob firmly in your hands while holding it over a towel or blanket. The corn should pop off--once you get it started it isn't difficult to remove all the kernels.)
- Show the children how to use the needle to poke a hole through the center of each corn kernel and bean. Alternate corn and beans or make some other pattern. When the strand of strung seeds is about 24" long, set it aside overnight or hang it in the sun to dry (the seeds will shrink slightly).
- When it is dry, push together the seeds to cover any spaces which may have formed.
- Tie the ends together in an overhand knot and cut off excess string. Slip the necklace over your head or wind it around your wrist as a bracelet.
