Overview

Over 26 years of running early learning programs, we collected millions of plastic jug lids–why not make milk jug lid beads? We collected whole milk lids, 1% milk lids, 2% milk lids, skim milk lids, chocolate milk lids, orange juice lids, and lemonade lids, not to mention plastic lids from lots of other containers. Maybe we exaggerate–it probably wasn’t millions of lids.

We used these lids for sensory play and craft projects and as loose parts, but one of our favorite ideas was to transform them into colorful, durable, inexpensive, and easy to make lacing beads. Here’s how:

Supplies

You’ll need:

Making Milk Jug Lid Beads

Use the drill to carefully bore a hole in the center of each lid. Do your drilling on a piece of scarp wood to protect your work surface. If you’re uncomfortable with power tools, find someone proficient in their use to handle the drilling.

We found that drilling at slow speed with moderate downward pressure resulted in the cleanest holes. If you end up with a rough hole, you can use a utility knife to clean it up or twist off the rough bits with a pair of pliers.

Learning With Milk Jug Lid Beads

Children will improve their small muscle skills and hand-eye coordination as they string milk jug lid beads. In addition, stringing beads can help develop sequencing, pattern recognition, color recognition, and counting skills.

Variations

Conclusion

If you give this project a try, we’d love to see photos and hear how it goes in the comments below. You’ll find more DIY lacing ideas here.

Brought to you by Explorations Early Learning
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