Can a 7 year old make paper beads? Also age-appropriate crafting for 11 yo.. help!!

[dancermommy1]

I am thinking of sending supplies for paper bead making to our 7 year old sponsored child in Africa and wondered if she'll be able to do the craft or will it frustrate her. I honestly can't remember if I could do something like that when I was 7 or not.

Also, I'm buying a gift for my brother's 11 year old step-granddaughter and he says she is "crafty".....thoughts on a great, easy to find gift for her?

[mrspopo]

I think it depends on the child. I've been a nanny for a long time and I've seen many 7 year olds that would be able to handle it (some would need some help), and others that wouldn't be able to handle it or would have no interest.

As for the 11 year old, that's at tricky age because they are "too old" for little kid stuff but not a teen yet. The first thing that came to mind is fuse beads (perler). You can get a big tub of them at Ikea. There's all sorts of craft projects at Joannes you could look at for inspiration. But making something fun and useful would be good - like a lip balm kit, or pony beads on string to make an animal (makes a great backpack/keychain thing).

[tallanvor]

I am not sure about the 7 yr old, as I've never done paper beads, so don't know the difficulty level.

Now, as for the 11 yr old, that is the perfect age for learning to knit, crochet, or cross stitch. Scrapbooking and jewelry making is fun for that age, as well. My 12 yr old daughter and 11 yr old niece were very into friendship bracelets this summer. You should be able to find stuff for any of them at Wal-Mart, Joann's, or Michaels.

[AzulMariposa]

If you are talking about the triangular paper, rolled up beads, probably not alone. I tried it with my 5 & 7 yr olds last earth day, and had to start each bead, and double check the end.

[earthflower]

my kids and niece like to do the Twirled Paper, they use twirling wand from klutz and make neat stuff.

[dancermommy1]

Originally Posted by AzulMariposa If you are talking about the triangular paper, rolled up beads, probably not alone. I tried it with my 5 & 7 yr olds last earth day, and had to start each bead, and double check the end.

Thanks, this is exactly what I was talking about. I feel like these little girls are probably pretty resourceful given their situations, but I don't want to send something they absolutely can't do alone yet. Of course, if she had an older sibling or an older friend who could show her how, she might be able to figure it out, but maybe I'll stick with simpler things for now and send them later on.

Thanks!