Spend the summer slowing down to make a few of these bead crafts. Friendship bracelets, butterflies, sensory toys, and more!

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Beads are a fun craft supply to keep on hand. You can usually buy them in bulk, then use them for a variety of crafts. String them onto cord to make bracelets and necklaces. Add them to other crafts for a colorful embellishment.
Below we’ve collected a over dozen fun bead crafts to make with kids.
A quick note: Beads can be a choking hazard. Ensure the activity is a good fit for your child and keep an eye on little ones.
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Bead Crafts
All kinds of crafts for kids using beads! Pony beads, seed beads, homemade beads, and more.
Bead Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets are a classic summer camp craft! Learn how to make them, plus get inspiration for fun ideas.
Butterfly Feeder
You can use any beads to make this colorful butterfly feeder to attract them to your backyard.
Easy Flower Bead Bracelet Pattern
Kids will love making these flower bead bracelets using their favorite colors! Perfect for a nature-themed activity or making dress-up jewelry.
Patriotic Bubblegum Necklace
Make your own bubblegum necklace for a fun and colorful craft your kids will want to wear all the time!
DIY Sensory Bottles with Glitter
Add a few beads to a sensory bottle for a simple, calming activity. Kids can make this, then enjoy watching the beads fall again and again.
Popsicle Stick Dragonfly
Turn popsicle sticks into an adorable dragonfly with colorful beaded wings.
Rainbow Bead Bracelet
This rainbow bead bracelet is a great craft for beginners. It's quick to make and uses only a few beads. Make one or a whole bunch in different colors.
Eco Bead Bracelet
Paper beads are easy to make and turn into your own custom jewelry. Perfect for bracelets and necklaces!
Dinosaur Keychain
Grab some pretty pastel pony beads and dinosaur charms to make this cute little keychain. Fun for kids and tweens!
Bead and Button Pipe Cleaner Bracelets
Grab your favorite beads and buttons to make these adorable pipe cleaner bracelets.
Pony Bead Bracelets
You can purchase colorful pony beads in bulk. Learn bead weaving and make this playful rainbow pattern.
Animal Perler Bead Templates
Download tons of printable templates to make the cutest perler bead animals! Pick your favorites and learn how to make them.
Wood Bead Butterfly
All you need to make these wood bead butterflies are a few dollar store supplies. They make the sweetest decor for summer!
Fabric Scrap Bracelets
Turn fabric scraps into custom bracelets with letter beads. Kids will love spelling out their name or making a keepsake with the year.
Bead Stitch Markers
Stitch markers are a must-have for teaching kids to crochet and knit. Make your own with pretty beads.
Save these bead craft ideas for your next rainy day project. They’re easy to customize with different colors or shapes to fit a theme.
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