With this being my first year of having a child in Middle School it has become very clear to me that teachers seem to show a fondness towards projects. Lucky for me, as I have a son who strives to achieve good grades and turn in the best work that he can. He is also very creative. What does that mean for me? Well, we seem to be making weekly stops by our local Jo~Ann’s for arts and craft materials. Thank goodness it is on the way home from school!

On a recent stop by Jo~Ann’s we ended up down the isle where the Creativity Kits were proudly displayed right smack in front of my daughter. You and I would have both been completely shocked in not one craft project caught her eye, so lucky for us, one did. Knowing that a rainy weekend was in store for us, I decided that a craft project for the two of us to do would be a great idea. Lets just say that I was not at all surprised when she choose the Creativity for Kids - Safety Pin Charm & Bead Bracelet.


~ Mom, can we make the bracelet now? ~

If you knew my daughter then it would come as no surprise to you that on Saturday morning, bright and early mind you, my daughter was eager to make her bracelet. Upon opening the box, this is what we found:

~ One silver elastic cord measuring approximately 24 inches in length.

~ A plastic bag holding approximately 50 safety pins, silver in color.

~ A plastic bag holding approximately 50 pearl beads (white) along with twelve pink stone shaped beads.

~ A plastic bag holding approximately 50 tube shaped beads, red in color.

~ A plastic bag holding approximately 75 multi-colored beads that are round in shape.

~ There were also five different charms (gold in color) included in a plastic bag. We had one shaped as a bell, two as horseshoes, one as a pig, and the last one, well … it resembled a boat rope. We weren’t really sure what it was, so my daughter called it a boat rope.

~ An instructional insert.

I highly encourage you that when opening each package you empty inside a small plastic bowl or onto a paper plate. This helped us to keep the contents separate from one another, and did not allow them to roll all around the kitchen table or falling onto the floor. Mind you, I have no smaller children to worry about, but … hate having to bend down and pick up the fallen beads all the time!

As I mentioned above, an instructional insert was included inside of this kit. This insert was easy to follow and even had a few drawings to help aid you in your preparation of this bracelet. Basically, each safety pin was opened and a few beads or charms were placed onto the pin and then shut again. When this process was complete, it was time to measure and cut the elastic cord. You will need two pieces of the same size cord to complete this bracelet. Then it is time to thread the elastic through the top holes in the ends of the pins. (Note; you want to alternate the tops and bottoms of the safety pins. This makes for a very fun look!) Once you have threaded the top and bottom and have knotted it, it is time to wear your fun bracelet. Yes, it really is this easy to make your bracelet, and while I have left out a step or two, the directional insert is very easy to read. According to the back of this box for this bracelet, the average time to make this bracelet is about one hour. You know what? They are right!


~ How old should you be to make one yourself? ~

The age recommendation on this box of Creativity for Kids - Safety Pin Charm & Bead Bracelet states that this is for ages 8 to 98. I will tell you that my daughter is seven years old and thoroughly enjoyed helping create her bracelet. She was able to open each safety pin and place on her desired beads or charms and then close again with ease. Now, when it did come time to thread the bracelet with the elastic cord, she had some difficulties. This is where good ‘ol Mom came to the rescue!

So be prepared … if you are thinking that this is a project you want your child to do on their own, they you many want to wait until they are eight or nine years old. If you like to dig in with your child and help them create, then I see no problem why a five-year-old wouldn’t have fun creating this project with a parent. Just remember that there are many small beads that come with this kit that could pose a choking hazard for those younger children in the house. Also, if you don’t like your child to use scissors by themselves, they will need your help in cutting the elastic cord.


~ She is styling now! ~

Was the Creativity for Kids - Safety Pin Charm & Bead Bracelet kit a big hit with my daughter? You bet! She loved sitting down with me on a Saturday morning creating her own bracelet, and then enjoyed strutting around the house with it on her arm. In fact, because it is made with elastic cord it will even fit my wrist, so she lets me borrow it sometimes!

Do I think that this kit was worth it? Mind you, when I look at the box, some of the beads shown on the box tend to look nicer than the ones we received in our kit. And my daughter was quick to point out that she did not get the ladybug charm. I might also add that I wish it came with a plastic cord opposed to the silver elastic because I think that the plastic might be more durable in the long run. But, for the price, it was well worth it. And what did I pay for it? The Creativity for Kids - Safety Pin Charm & Bead Bracelet kit retails for $4.99. I happened to have a preferred customer’s only coupon for Jo~Ann’s for 50 percent off. Yes, I got this fun kit for just a couple of dollars.

I have already purchased several of these to give as birthday presents, and … my daughter is planning on giving one to her best friend as a little Christmas present. Yes folks, the Creativity for Kids - Safety Pin Charm & Bead Bracelet kit makes a great gift for a stocking stuffer!



http://www.creativityforkids.com





Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 2.50
Type of Toy: Arts and Crafts
Age Range of Child: 6 to 8 Years