Noodle Necklaces Revisited

My niece and nephews were getting antsy. Not only was my collection of hot wheels and legos no longer keeping their interest, they were more than a little shocked at the fact that I do not own a gaming system. Rather than send them home cranky, vowing to never return, I reached back in my memory stores for something my boys used to enjoy. Using items on hand, I was able to redirect their focus on having fun, while they happily created gifts for their mom, themselves and even me, along the way.

After checking my pantry for a variety of uncooked pasta noodles, I gathered the kids around the kitchen table. The first step was to create technicolor noodles.

To make custom-colored noodles you will need:

• Pasta
• White vinegar
• Zip-loc baggies
• Measuring cup
• 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon
• Food coloring

1. Pour one cup of dried pasta into each zip-loc baggie.

2. Add 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar to the baggie of pasta.

3. Add 8-10 drops of food coloring to the pasta and vinegar. We happened to have fancy colored food dye in the cupboard, but regular colors work just as well.

4. Seal the baggie. Shake gently so the noodles are coated with the coloring, but not smashed in the process!

5. Inspect the noodles. If they are very dry, add a drop more vinegar. If the color is not intense enough, or there are noodles that are not covered add a few more drops of food dye.

6. Cover a cookie sheet with paper towels. Pour the noodles on the towels, separating as you go. Let them dry as you gather yarn, shoelaces, thin ribbon, or string. The noodles should be ready to string in twenty minutes or so.

7. Make necklaces or bracelets by stringing one noodle on a piece of yarn and then tying it in place to keep the rest of the noodles from sliding off. Pipe cleaners make cute bracelets or rings that are easy for small hands to manipulate.

8. Put a child to work separating the noodles by color or shape in muffin tins, or pull out cardboard or paper plates to create a mosaic pattern.

This project kept everyone busy for a nice long time. They enjoyed the process of coloring and stringing and then proudly wore their creations home. Necklaces were even left for the silly Aunt who taught them this cool trick!


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