Perler Beads and Chenille Pipe Cleaner Bracelets


Making bracelets with perler beads and chenille pipe cleaners is a great way to work on fine motor skills with your child as well as patterning and counting, and still have fun. They wont even know they're "learning".

Perler beads and chenille pipecleaners can be found at your local craft store or online. Both typically come in bulk, so be prepared for hours of fun!

DIY Dollar Store Photo Memory Game

Add a twist to the traditional game of memory match-up game gets a using family photos! Use a deck of playing cards from the dollar store as an easy backing. I made this simple and creative game in about 20 minutes using a only a few supplies.

You'll need:
  • A deck of cards from the dollar store (The Dollar Tree to be exact).
  • Glue Stick
  • Small paper cutter or scissors
  • Pre-printed photos at home from my HP Touchsmart Web Printer



Here's How:
  • Print out 2 sets of photos of your choosing. (I printed mine on 4x6 photo paper "wallet size" - they came out 2 per 4x6 sheet. hint: I use Picasa free photo software.)
  • Cut them to size: 2 1/4 x 3 1/4
  • Using your glue stick, adhere them to the face of the playing cards, one by one.


Enjoy and play! It's that simple! 


Tips, Hints and Tricks:
  • Works great as a gift (ahem, mother's day) for families and friends who live far away.
  • Might be a great way to commemorate a family vacation.
  • Would be a fun "dining out only" game to take to restaurants
  • For toddlers: print out a single set to use for helping baby become familiar with family and friends.
  • I printed my photos at home. I can't recommend it enough. It has changed the way I craft and create. But. it's not required for this project.