Using the last few weeks of summer to make holiday gifts is now in its 15th or 16th year, I’m loosing count. This summer I’ve had such fun making bubble wands from wire, using left over beads and different colors of wire.
My sons were visiting as I was engage in R & D for a project for kids and adults, and we had a blast making bubbles, trying different mixtures and having very odd contests. I’ve given several wands as gifts to friends who seem to be enjoying them as much as we were. In fact, we’ve decided at Thanksgiving to have a bubble wand making activity so my kids and their significant others, can make them for their friends as holiday gifts.
Shop now for beads and small glass jars: Yard sales and thrift stores are great places to find odd necklaces and bracelets which can provide a lot of beads at affordable prices. Check the craft sections of thrift stores as well for beads. I prefer the glass ones over plastic.
I tend to repurpose all my glass jars. Mustard and jam jars work well for this project. Make sure the jars are large enough to put the wand into. You can paint the lids of jars or glue fabric or paper to cover trademarks. The idea is to give a jar of bubble “magic” along with a wand.
Not all bubble stuff works: I bought a large inexpensive jar of bubble liquid and they made terrible bubbles. So sample to see what will provide the best bubbles. I do like my homemade creation but am not sure how long they’ll hold up.
What you’ll need: In addition to the beads, you will need wire, 18 gage. Check hardware stores for best prices.
You can make them any length, but I used a little over a foot of wire. Find something to wrap the wire around to make the hoop that will be dipped in the bubble mixture. Try different shapes to find the one you like. Twist the wire so one end is longer than the other. To the longer one, start adding the beads. Once you are pleased with your assortment, wrap the smaller end around them for extra strength. This website provides good step by step instructions.
Want to make a bigger one, or star shape? Check out the video below
August Holiday Gifts to Start Now
• 2010: Candles; Eyeglass case and bookmarks; fabric flower brooch
• 2012: Make a variety of items using the sun including sun stencils and art work
• 2013: From fruitcakes to fabric covered canvas
• 2014 Infinity scarf, knife block or stripe, fire starters, flavored syrups, activity books
• 2015 Presents for the gardener in your life
• 2016 Bowls
• 2017 Jars
• 2018 Puzzle Pieces
• 2019 Candles
• 2020 Activity Kits
• 2021 For the Birds
• 2022 Small Helpful kits
• 2023 Using scraps
• 2024 Buttons!
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