This is a super-quick, simple and effective activity for small children. In the example pictured below I have used red, silver and green patty pans so we can hang them on the Christmas tree. However, they don’t have to be for Christmas necessarily, the chains can also be used for necklaces, doorway hangings or fancy party streamers.
All you need is some coloured patty pans, string, drinking straws and a craft knife. I use the kids plastic craft string as it tends to be more rigid and easier for little fingers to thread with.
Cut the straws into pieces roughly 4cm long.
Using the tip of your craft knife punch a small hole into a stack of patty pans. Twist the knife back and forth until the hole goes through all the patty pans. Make sure the hole is not too big. It should be large enough to thread the string through, but small enough that the straw will not pass through.
Make a large knot in the end of the string. Thread a piece of straw followed by a patty pan. Keep alternating straws and patty pans until the chain reaches the desired length. For very young children you may need to hold the string while they thread the pieces on or vice versa.
Tags: chains, christmas, decoration, patty pans
