I had all five grandkids today while the crew finished up AI-ing the heifers. I did have some outdoor plans they were going to help with, but I woke to the wonderful sound of rain dripping off the roof. It continued to drizzle most of the day which kept us all inside except for a short bit this afternoon when the trampoline burned up some energy.
I had them bring their diamond dot pictures along to work on, but Lacee also brought her embroidery thread along in order to make some friendship bracelets. I’ve made many a bracelet in my day but they were all in the macrame style. Since I’m teaching a new way (to me) style of friendship bracelets at the summer reading program, what better way to practice teaching than to use the grandkids? The style is called Kumihimo.
A chunk of cardboard is cut into a circle with eight slots cut into it evenly. Seven strands of embroidery floss will give you your bracelet. By wrapping the floss six times around your wrist, you’ll find the length you need. Yes, there are many different patterns made with variable numbers of strands, but we’re going for simple. They also sell nice foam Kumihimo rounds if you want to get fancy.
Put the empty slot towards your belly. Count to the third strand towards the right. Pull it from its slot and place it in the empty slot. Now turn the now empty spot towards your belly and find the third strand again. Pull it out. Put it in the empty one.
You have to put some downward pressure on the knotted cords you pushed through a central hole. You can’t be very loose or it won’t work well.
Before long, a braided section will appear on the bottom of your disk. Keep going!
It was a very social time for the girls… chattering about everything while their hands had learned the pattern and the could do it almost without thinking. Just an overhand knot will finish the end and tie it on your wrist.
While the boys initially blew off the idea because Battleship was more fun… they came around and had to give it a go. Everyone went on to make second bracelets and even a third! While creating, we also filmed a movie. I even edited most of it, but my computer went in to automatic update mode and I didn’t get to finish. Ugh. I guess that’s for tomorrow.
It was enjoyable… braiding in the rain…
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A wonderful way to make a friendship bracelet. I’m sure I’ve come across it in recent years possibly at Messy Church which always has amazing craft activities enjoyed as much by parents as the kids.
What a fun craft! Reminds me of doing “boondoggle” at camp, and at Girl Scout meetings.
What a lovely way to spend a rainy day. Just seeing the photo of the boys sitting like that made my knees hurt! lol