These are some simple steps to making your own beautiful ribbon wands, perfect for gifts, Christmas stockings, weddings, parties or just backyard fun! They are also a great way for kids to practice hand-eye coordination and burn energy without making any mess.
What you will need:
- Ribbon (double sided satin or silk) 2 x 2m lengths (I prefer to use contrasting colours for effect)
- Wooden dowelling rods (cut about 30cm long)
- Eye screws (from the hardware shop)
- Drill and drill bit (the drill bit needs to be smaller than the eye screws)
- Fishing swivels (fishing shops or camping stores sell these in a packet)
- Pliers
- Glue
- Small jingle bells
- Matches/lighter
How to make them:
1. Pre drill top of dowelling in the centre with drill bit
2. Put in one eye screw by twisting it into the hole (someone with muscles is handy for this bit!)
3. Add a fishing swivel and bells by threading it onto the inserted eye screw – use pliers to press the eye screw together making a solid loop so the fishing swivel/bells can’t fall off.
4. Burn the edges of the ribbon gently to prevent fraying.
5. Tie both lengths of ribbon to the end of the fishing swivel. Us ea dab of glue so the ribbon knot doesn’t come loose.
6. Put glue down the length of the dowel rod and wrap with ribbon, or alternatively you could paint the dowel with glitter paint.
![Ribbon wands](http://www.handmadekids.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Ribbon-wands.jpg)
7. Once dry, wave and twirl with your new ribbon wand!
NOTE: Adults can also be found twirling and swirling with these lovely ribbon wands when they think no-one is looking. They are lots of fun!
This guest post was written by Sweet Blessings. Sweet Blessings is full of gorgeous and pretty things for little girls. To view the full range, head to the Sweet Blessings website or Facebook page.