The Thanksgiving holidays are a special time of reflection and looking back over the past year. They are a time to consider all the good things that have been given, just as our forefathers once did. As starvation closed in the weary pilgrims were down to nothing but a ration of three kernels of corn.
The Indians had given them the gift of corn. They taught the pilgrims to plant it, harvest it and how to prepare it. The pilgrims returned the blessing when they shared a bountiful meal with the Native Americans. It was a time of feasting and fellowship after the long hard struggle simply to survive. The bright and colorful Indian corn you can find throughout the stores during the harvest season is a wonderful reminder of the first Thanksgiving and what the Indians an pilgrims shared with each others.
Thanksgiving time is also a wonderful opportunity for crafting with kids. There is so much you can do from decorating the house to making Thanksgiving table settings. This fun holiday kid's craft will have your kids looking good with their autumn colored Indian necklaces and bracelets.
Indian Corn Necklace and Bracelet
What you need:
- 1/2 - 1 cup dried Indian corn kernel -- you can purchase it on the husk and remove it yourself
- sewing needle
- thread (stretchy thread for a bracelet)
- small bowl
- water
What you do:
- Fill the small bowl with the water. Then place the corn kernels in the bowl of water. Let the Indian corn kernels soak overnight.
- Next thread the needle with a long enough thread that when the ends are tied the necklace will slip over the child's head.
- Push the needle carefully through the soaked Indian corn kernels carefully. Older children can do this part themselves -- younger children may need help with this part. Tie both ends together and place your necklace over your head.
- To make a bracelet use specially made elastic thread.
Fun Options for Corn Projects
You can also thread yellow corn kernels, sunflower seeds, peanuts or other nuts and seeds. Small seed beads or even seashells would work well too.
This is a great craft to reinforce hand -- eye coordination. You can use this craft to go along with, not only a Thanksgiving study, but a study of Native American Indians. Or as a simple harvest time craft for a harvest party -- simply prepare the soaked kernels ahead of time and have the materials out ready to go. Kids can work around a craft table that has been set up in preparation for the craft.
