Dd wants a jewellery making party for her 5th birthday, come and give me your best ideas, please.

[RoseMortmain]

12 girls, at home. What do I do, apart from plonk lots of beads in bowls and supply elastic? That's not going to occupy them for 2 hours, is it? I need your genius ideas, ta muchly.

I bought a bead set from Amazon which had lots of letters - to make 'name' necklaces. Also doing popcorn and a dvd - and a bit of a mini disco set up as my dd is mad on disco lights. hth

That sounds like a lovely party, what a good idea.

If I were you I'd make some examples of what they could make before they arrive, have them on show otherwise they'll rush in, shove any old thing together, create some hideous interesting pieces then be bored.

I think I'd maybe limit them to three or four things each, a necklace and two bracelets sounds about right.

Elastic rather then thread too, pre-cut into suitable lengths.

Ebay is brilliant for beads, very good value and all sent to you so very convenient.

My DD and I made sun catchers for hanging in front of her window out of glass beads bought from ebay, very simple but pretty, you could make them too.

I think a jewellery party would go well with a trad tea party; cups and saucers, a teapot, neat sandwiches, delicate cakes on a stand etc with all the girls wearing their new jewellery.

If I think of anymore good ideas I'll be back.

Name necklaces are a great idea, thank you.

Also liking the tea party idea for the party tea very much - that's just up Dd's street!

I was thinking about setting it up so each girl has her own set of beads and elastic lengths rather than a free for all in the middle of the table. What do you think?

Would it be a good idea to intersperse it with some party games as well?

You could set little competitions for their creations and have prizes......most creative, most colourful, etc.

maryz, they all have pretty traditional english names, thank goodness.

I was considering getting some little plain trinket boxes for them to paint too, to put their creations in.

Pin the tiara on the princess is a lovely idea, so's the pass the parcel.

deffo go for individual pots otherwise they will just compete to see who can cram the most on the quickest! Find some non tipping pots - margerine pots or simmilar with a wide base......minimise tipping! put cloth or something non slip on table! put sweetie neclaces in party bags (buy in bulk on ebay!)

hama beads?
shrinkles?
I did this for DD at Easter. Loads of Ikea bowls & I seperated out all the colours for them.
Also did some nail painting and braiding to pass the time then send them in the garden for half an hour to run it off. Kids loved it and even had an 11 year old big brother desperate to stay and make things too!
Agree that making some designs for inspiration goes down really well. Hello Kitty, Mario & ice-creams were the most popular to be copied here. Google images for inspiration!