do it yourself: friendship bracelets
This month, we’re sharing how to make friendship bracelets at home with your very own cardboard loom from household items. These colorful bracelets made of yarn are easy to make and a fun gift to give or make with a friend! Follow the directions below!
guidelines + materials
AGE: 7+
TIME FRAME: 30 minutes
SUPPLIES:
- String or yarn: 7 pieces, each 30 inches long
- Scissors
- Sharpened pencil
- Cardboard (cereal cardboard box is perfect)
- Tape (optional)
directions
1. Use the rim of a drinking glass to trace a circle on your cardboard. Cut out the circle. This will be your loom to make your bracelet on!
2. Poke a hole in the center of the cardboard circle using your pencil. This hole needs to be big enough to fit all seven pieces of string.
3. Cut eight slits around the circle. Evenly space each mark and cut with scissors. You can split the circle into eighths with a ruler and draw lines if you want to be more accurate. 
4. Tie the ends of all seven strings together. Once the knot is tied, push the knot through the hole in the loom. Pull the strings fully through the loom to secure them into place.
5. Slide each string into a slit. Put each piece of string into an empty slit. One empty slit will be left.
6. Count three to the right and place string into the top slit. Count three over (3:00) from the empty slit (12:00) and move the piece of string in that slit to the empty space. Twist left and repeat. Continue this pattern until the bracelet is the desired length.
7. Tie a knot at the end. Once the bracelet is finished, pull it out of the hole and tie a knot at the end.
8. Give your friendship bracelet to a friend or keep it for yourself!
Want to create even more projects? Come join us at the Innovators Lab and participate in facilitated workshops with the Museum’s Teaching Artists every day at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm. These workshops are free with Museum admission.
