solar system strand

one of N’s little friends is totally into all things outer space. she adores planets and rocket ships, so this was the theme for her third birthday party. we decided to make her a gift that would be outta this world!

solar system on a string

N and i started by making beads with sculpey modeling clay of different spherical sizes to represent each planet. (i added a ring to saturn.) we poked holes in them with a paper clip.

sculpey beads

then we baked the sculpey in the oven while opening all of the windows. (as i read the box afterwards, i realized that this stuff is kinda toxic while baking and probably isn’t the greatest material for younger kids. N colored by a window across the house while it baked.)

sculpey beads

once the beads were hardened, we painted the planets all different colors, (and realized that at their most basic hue, many the planets almost follow ROY G BIV!) also, we opted to include pluto in the line-up for old times sake…

carefully painting the beads

after the beads were dry, we strung them onto a soft black cord (like outer space!) and made it into a very cool birthday necklace!

in a ring around the sun

in a ring around the sun

 

Related posts:

  1. lasting impression necklace
  2. beaded name bracelets
  3. nature impressions
  4. no nuts about it
  5. autumn leaf garland

01.30

2010
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  • http://www.teachpreschoolonline.com Deborah Stewart

    Really cute idea! Would be fun for a space unit in school too!

  • http://www.pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com Pink and Green Mama MaryLea

    you do know that is THE coolest birthday gift ever right?!

  • jen

    thanks deborah & marylea! we had lots of fun with it and the birthday girl is loving it, too!

  • http://www.pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com pink and green mama MaryLea

    So cute!! Thanks for linking up and sharing on the Smart Summer Challenge : )

  • Pingback: smart summer challenge wrap up and winners | teach mama

  • http://tinyreader.blogspot.com Elizabeth Moore

    We are totally doing this ASAP!!!!