Classroom Couture: Valentine's Day Friendship Necklaces

Try something different this Valentine's Day.
Try something different this Valentine's Day.

Trading handmade jewelry never goes out of style, especially when hearts and glitter are involved! This is a crafty idea my daughter loves, and it's well-suited for a classroom party. Gather some friends, small pieces of wood, paint, glitter and beads and have a necklace-making session. Everyone can make two or three pieces, and then trade them with each other!

What You'll Need

Small wood pieces with pre-drilled holes (found at the craft store)
White craft glue
Embroidery floss, yarn, or ribbon
Craft paint and brushes
Crystals, glitter, small flowers

Related: 39 handmade Valentine's Day gifts for teachers, family and friends

Directions

1. Choose the paint colors for your wood pieces. I made mine themed for Valentine's Day, so I used different shades of pink and red - but you can also add in orange or purple - whatever colors you want.

2. Use the brush to paint the pieces. Let dry completely. Once the base coat is finished, add a contrasting color around the edge.

3. I used a different design for each necklace. For the one at bottom in the photo above, I coated the wood piece with glue and then used a crayon to pick up tiny crystals and set them to spell LOVE.

4. I also had mini-paper rosettes that were just the right color and size! I used the rosettes to form the shape of a heart for the necklace in the center of the image.

5. The pendant in the upper-right is trimmed in glue and then glitter. I used letter beads in the center. You could do the same to spell out names or words.

6. Cut a piece of ribbon or cording long enough to make a necklace, and tie it through the holes at the top of the pendants.

-By Kathy Cano-Murillo

For over 40 DIY valentines you can make at home, visit Spoonful!

Spoonful | Make. Everyday.
Spoonful | Make. Everyday.

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