Friendship Bracelets: A Charlotte Mason Handicraft

The points to be borne in children's handicrafts are:(a) that they should not be employed in making futilities such a pea and stick work, paper mats, and the like; (b) that they should be taught slowly and carefully what they are to do; (c) that slipshod work should not be allowed; (d) and that, therefore, the children's work should be kept well within their compass.

Charlotte Mason Volume 1, Home Education pp 315, 316.

Handicrafts have always been a part of my life...since I was a homeschooled child myself. And I am always on the lookout for handicraft ideas to include in my handicraft kits. Here at Hearts and Trees, one of our main aims is to encourage you to include handicrafts in your homeschool. We find though that many parents feel overwhelmed by the idea of handicrafts.

The Internet is a great place to start when researching ideas for handicrafts to include in your homeschool. Step-by-step photo or video tutorials can help YOU teach your children the craft. For example I recently searched for friendship bracelets...and here are just a few of the websites that I found that you could use to include this handicraft in your homeschool.

How to Make a Friendship Bracelet wikiHow article
Friendship Bracelets (8 kinds!) 
Friendship Bracelets (Advanced)
Friendship Bracelet Knot YouTube video
Friendship Bracelet YouTube video

Even if you haven't been exposed to many handicrafts, you CAN include them in your homeschool. All it takes is a little preparation on your part.

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If you haven't already, be sure to check out my Hearts and Trees Spring Summer 2013 Kit...it's perfect for adding art, handicrafts and nature study to your homeschool.