While it sounds a little hokey, one of our very popular (and totally
unsupervised) crafts is making beaded key chains, using plastic pony beads
strung onto strips of leather that have been knotted onto metal key chain
loops.  All of these materials are available from Noc Bay Trading Company
(P.O. Box 295, Escanaba MI 49829, 1-800-652-7192; [log in to unmask],
www.nocbay.com).  Local craft stores generally stock these items as well --
and can be considerably cheaper.  We also provide dyed chicken feathers to
attach to the ends of the beaded strips.   Both kids and adults really enjoy
making key chains and it's a good educational activity since it involves
motor skills, color identification, creativity and (as we say) "there is no
wrong way" to do it.

janice

Janice Klein
Director, Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, Kendall College
[log in to unmask]
www.mitchellmuseum.org


-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of jennifer nielsen
Sent: Friday, July 18, 2003 5:35 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Beadwork gallery activities


Dear subscribers,

I have been asked to write by our education director.  She is looking
for suggestions for gallery activities for kids of various ages that
will relate to an exhibition we are installing.  The exhibition
emphasizes the art of traditional Native American beadwork (mostly of
the Northern Plains).

The activities need to be ones that require no supervision.  And we have
about 400 square feet in which to do them.  She is looking at many
aspects of beadwork, from the artistic side to the history of the trade
routes that beads traveled.

Does anyone have any great ideas that have worked in the past?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Jennifer E. Nielsen
Curator
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

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