Beaded Ornament Craft
Show kids how to make a festive Beaded Ornament Craft that can become a special Christmas keepsake year after year. This simple bead project is a fun way to practice patterns, fine motor skills, and following directions. Finished ornaments look pretty on the tree, but they also make sweet handmade package decorations for family and friends.
Fun Fact
Germany is often credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we know it today. In the 16th century, many Christians brought decorated trees into their homes during the Christmas season.
Supplies
- Translucent green pony beads
- Translucent red pony beads
- Metallic gold pony beads
- White glue
- 40 inch metallic gold cord
- Printable beading pattern
Instructions
- Cut a 40 inch length of metallic gold cord. Stiffen both ends with a small amount of white glue and let them dry.
- Fold the cord in half. Tie a small knot near the fold to create a small hanging loop.
- Open the printable beading pattern and begin with the top row.
- Slide all the beads for the first row onto one side of the cord.
- Thread the other side of the cord back through the same beads in the opposite direction.
- Pull both cord ends gently until the row is tight and centered.
- Continue weaving one row at a time until the ornament is complete.
- Tie off the cord at the bottom of the ornament.
- Dab a little white glue on the knot. Let it dry completely, then trim any extra cord.
Patterns, Templates and Printables
Click on a pattern to open it in a new window to print.
Teacher Friendly Educational Extension
This beaded ornament craft is a great classroom activity for practicing pattern recognition and sequencing. Ask children to identify the repeating colors in the ornament and count how many beads are used in each row.
Older students can design their own printable templates on graph paper before making the ornament. This adds a simple math connection as they plan rows, symmetry, and color placement.
Finished ornaments can be displayed on a classroom tree, added to holiday bulletin boards, or sent home as handmade gifts. It is also a nice fine motor activity for holiday craft centers.
Supplies
Instructions
Patterns, Templates and Printables
Click on a pattern to open it in a new window
Contributor
Terri is the creator of makingfriends.com, freekidscrafts.com, scoutswaps.com and badginabag.com. Her work is republished all over the internet and is considered the queen of kids crafts.
