Sandra J. Paluzzi
The Bead Peddler®

Let me start this article with a disclaimer.  Beads are a choking hazard.  They are not a toy and are not appropriate for small children.  Adult supervision is required for children of all ages.

That being said, I want to point you to another way to make money with your jewelry:  children's beading parties.  They are great for a young girl's birthday party: they provide the hostess with both a party favor and a party activity.  They are an economical, fun way for someone to throw a party and are a great way for you to make money. 

I would suggest you charge by the child, with a minimum fee to cover your hourly rate if the party is very small.  First decide on a project.  Necklaces are popular choices for little girls.  So are bracelets and key rings.  The project you select can be a function of the child's age or gender:  boys would enjoy making key chains; they would not be so fond of making necklaces.  

Prior to the party, bead a few display samples. These  displays will guide the kids in their design.   Most people present the kids with a variety of beads.  The variety should be wide enough to give kids a choice, but narrow enough so they are not overwhelmed.  Some people have special beads or charms available only for the birthday girl.  I suggest using  a  thread that does NOT require a needle - nylon beading thread such as Supplemax works well. The kids can take turns designing and stringing their project, leaving you to finish it off with a crimp or knot.

The beading birthday party is only one way to involve children with beading.  This concept can be loosely translated to work well at school fairs, flea markets or children's clothing stores.  Set up a workstation and charge children to make a piece of jewelry.  In  addition to making jewelry or key rings for themselves, kids could make a pair of earrings for their moms. The bead a gift concept works well around Mother's Day or Christmas.   Don't be surprised if a few adults sit down and create their own pair of earrings.  Everyone loves to be creative.

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