Yesterday at my daughter’s Daisy Girl Scout troop meeting, we introduced lanyard crafts and the box stitch.
Teaching patience and crafts
The girls are in the first grade and the project was definitely a challenge for the girls, as well as for the moms helping, including me. However, as difficult as the project might have been, my co-leader and I agreed that it was well worth it, as it is and was also an exercise in patience– which is a great thing to exercise and learn. It is a bit challenging, but it can be done.
Once the technique is mastered, there are a lot of other lanyard crafts out there to keep kids happily busy for hours rather inexpensively with relatively few supplies to tote.
Today I sent a note to the moms with a few resource links on lanyard crafts. I thought I’d share them here, too, in the event you want to tackle lanyards with your own kids or use this at a Girl Scout or Cub Scout meeting or birthday party activity.
We used the box or square stitch, but there are lots of others out there.
These are my favorite videos and feature young crafters explaining the project:
- The easiest way to start a box stitch lanyard that I have found: (Be patient with the camera angles, she has a great technique. :) )
- A different method for starting a box stitch lanyard, with better videography
- Short video on the lanyard box stitch, once you have started
More lanyard resources:
- Overview of the box stitch using shoelace-like material and other techniques
- Variety of lanyard stitches and crafts
- Variety of lanyard stitches, techniques and projects with step by step instructions and photos. There are also links within on finishing the projects
- Tons of lanyard ideas and inspiration with video
Not just for girls…
Last night we were talking about this at the dinner table and my boys (ages 9 and 11) were also intrigued. I’m hoping to get everyone hooked… it could sure be a summer travel lifesaver or boredom buster. :)
Have you ever made lanyard crafts? What are some of your favorite techniques or projects? I’d love to read your tips!
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