I have a problem. It’s a big one. You might even call it an addiction. Or perhaps an obsession.
I am addicted to cute party supplies. Napkins, cupcake wrappers, treat bags, paper straws – oh goodness, the paper straws… It’s like I can’t walk past them without my skin tingling and I have to look away really quickly. I have a huge bag of the things, and I try to follow the same rule I give my children. For instance – if your Barbie basket is full, that means you can’t get anymore Barbies until you get rid of some. Except, I need to buy the straws. They’re too pretty to leave behind on the cold and bleak shelves of Target and Michaels.
So lately, I’ve been finding ways to use up these cuties so I can buy more. (If that’s not a sign of a problem, I’m not sure what is.) Last month, I made these sprinkle filled “pixie sticks”. And when I saw some kids at school cutting up straws (plastic ones, not the pretty paper ones), it reminded me of those necklaces we made when we were kids by cutting up plastic straws.
It was the perfect solution to my “use those babies up!” and it made a great activity for Stella’s Lalaloopsy party last week (more on that coming up soon). All I had to do to create these paper straw necklaces was cut the straws up into pieces. Easy peasy!
If you can’t find paper straws, you must be living under a rock try Michaels (they often have packs in the $1.50 bins) or Target. Target has my favourite, like these pretty pink and lime polka dotted ones. The only other supplies you need are a string of yarn, cording, twine, etc. Some pony beads also add colour and fun. I also like to wrap a piece of scotch tape around the ends of the yarn so it is easier for the little ones to string the beads.
Even if I had ulterior motives, it is actually a really great activity for the kids, and they all loved it! The older kids worked on developping elaborate patterns, and the toddlers were honing their fine motor skills. Win-win!
And I make a little more room in my paper straw bag for another pack of pretty straws… Just call me the crazy straw lady 😉
Kami @ Sweet Charli says
Love this idea! It will keep my girls busy for hours! And love how many cute straws there are! I have included this on my PRE-K learning roundup! Thanks for sharing!
Sarah says
So glad you liked it – and I hope your girls had fun with it. Thanks so much for sharing!