Tape Bracelets
Tape Bracelets
Make a decorative bracelet using tape and found objects
Ages 3+~30 min
This is my daughter’s current favorite outdoor activity because it allows her to search for things, be creative, and in her words, “make something fancy!” Gently wrap a piece of tape, with the sticky side up, around a child’s wrist to make a bracelet (wide blue painters tape works best). It’s best to have an adult do this (for younger children) or have buddies help each other (for older children) as it’s difficult to wrap the tape around your own wrist. Also, for many children, it’s best to put the bracelet on their non-dominant hand so they can easily pick and place objects on the bracelet using their dominant hand. Before sending them out looking for flowers, leaves, or other small objects that could fit on the tape bracelet, I teach my children the rule of 10. If there are more than 10 of that object, they can pick it, otherwise leave it for others to enjoy. If doing this activity with a larger group of kids, make sure to set boundaries before sending them off. When children are finished creating, you can appreciate and prolong the unique beauty of each bracelet by taking a photo. I love this activity because there are so many variations you can do to provide a challenge for older kids or variety for younger kids: create a pattern on your bracelet and challenge someone to describe the pattern, look for only warm colors/cool colors, find leaves with different vein patterns, etc. If going outside is not an option, you can do this activity indoors with items from your pantry, arts and crafts bin or other area in your house with smaller objects.