Macaroni Garlands

The other day my 5 year old was asked by another parent if her favorite part of Christmas was getting presents. My daughter looked at her and said gifts are okay but my favorite part is baking cookies and doing Christmas crafts. It is little moments like that, that reassure me that I am doing something right.

 Here is a great traditional craft to do with your kids, both young and old.

1 box of any tube pasta

Food coloring of your choice

Water

Mixing bowls

Cookie sheets

Ribbon, string, or yarn

 

Divide the pasta into separate bowls. We chose to do red and green for our Christmas garlands. Add a little bit of water to each bowl. We used about a teaspoon for half of the box. Add food coloring until you get your desired color and mix well. Be careful, I ended up splashing the water and food coloring up my whole arm because I was over eager.

Once the pasta is completely covered spread it out on a cookie sheet in a single layer and leave it to dry at least a few hours, overnight is even better. If you are in a hurry you can put the cookie sheets into the oven at the lowest sitting for a few minutes be sure to watch them closely and don’t leave them unattended.

 Once dry, let your little ones at it. Use either heavy plastic needles or just tape the end of your yarn for easier stringing. Be sure to help them tie a knot on the first piece on so they don’t just fall off the other end.

The best part about this project is that if you have any leftover noodles just toss them into a pot of boiling water and you will have a fun and festive lunch.