Scrabble Jewelry

What You Need:

• Scrabble tiles from a game you're done playing with, or one that's been found on the cheap at a yard sale or thrift store
• Hot glue gun
• Jewelry bases: silver bails for necklaces or bracelets, ring bases, pin bases, or plain barrettes. Barrettes are available at drug stores; other items can be purchased at bead or craft shops.
• String or metal/silver chain for bracelets or necklaces
• Scissors
• Permanent marker
• Optional: basic craft supplies like glitter glue, jewels and paint

What You Do:

1. First, round up the tiles and let your child start brainstorming words, names, or initials she'd like to put on her jewelry. First names and initials are always a safe bet, but fun words like "love", "peace", and "BFF" are great if she's planning on giving it as a gift.
2. For a necklace or bracelet, use silver bails as bases; one tile per bail. Help your child put hot glue on back of each tile and then press it firmly onto the bail. Repeat for each tile. When the glue dries, cut and thread the necklace or bracelet string through the bail. Tie a knot at the ends of bracelet or necklace string.
3. For a pin or barrette, first decide how many tiles will fit onto the base and construct a word that will fit. Help your child put hot glue on back of each tile and press the tile onto the base. Continue until all the tiles are placed.
4. If she's making a ring, she'll probably only need one tile -- most ring bases aren't big enough to hold more than that. She can try using her first or last initial, or choose a blank tile to decorate with permanent marker, glitter or jewels. Once she's done decorating, she can use the glue gun to dab a dot of glue on the back of the tile, then press it firmly to the ring base.
5. Once the glue has dried, wear with pride!