Fat Tuesday is March 4th this year and even though we don’t have any Mardi Gras parades locally I have been telling my kids all about it and showing them photos of the different parades and explaining how beads and other trinkets are thrown from the floats. We decided to make our own beads from purple, yellow and green Twizzlers. My daughter was game from the start but my son was not into the idea until his sister came down stairs and said I was letting her eat her finished necklace. Then he came up asking if he could make one too and honest to goodness I have never seen a child bead that quickly! These candy necklaces are fun ( and include a great patterning lesson) and could be made as party treats with any combination of colors.
Gather your materials. You will need some multi-colored Twizzlers , some stiff beading thread, scissors and tape. 
Cut your Twizzlers into beads. Even if the ends stick together you can give them a squeeze and the hole will reappear. 
Tape the end of your beading thread down and start beading. 
My daughter was very serious about beading. But even a serious 3 year old may ask for help. I helped her when the steam started wearing off. I would give her a number to bead then I would add three pieces on and so on. Not only were we working as a team she was working on her math skills as well. 
Once it’s long enough to slip over her head easily tie the ends and voila! 
As I was cleaning up my son came up to the playroom and decided he wasn’t too cool to bead after all. 
I loved how he was doing it. I should have taken a video because the accompanying sound effects were stellar. 
Don’t forget these are tasty too! 
Do you have Mardi Gras traditions you share with your kids? If you are planning on making pancakes I shared some great tips about cooking with kids over on Melissa & Doug yesterday.
Ashley says
Love the necklaces. I didn’t realize twizzlers came in those colors. I don’t live in New Orleans, but I’m a HUGE fan of the Big Easy and Mardi Gras and I’ve seen another idea you might like. Children in elementary school in New Orleans make parade floats out of shoeboxes and all kids of dolls, toys, feathers, beads, etc… (whatever craft supplies/collage items are available) I’ve seen tons of them on display in a mall down there and I fell in love with the idea. I’m dying to try it myself or with children.
Allison McDonald says
What a fun idea! Thanks for sharing.
Lnora says
Love the necklace. I’m part of a church,1st 7 days of each month, prayer and fasting ministry. On the 7th day we deliver lunch to those whom special prayers were said according to their need(s). Since Mardi Gras is coming up during our next meal delivery I thought the necklace is a perfect small favor for the recipients, to commemorate the holiday. Thanks for sharing.
Allison McDonald says
I am so glad you stopped by to tell me that, that’s awesome!
Tommie says
How many purple yellow and green beads can you get out of one pack?