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I have what I like to call “busy boxes” for my little ones. Each one is a different activity that I store in a labeled $.97 plastic container from Walmart. I have about 1o right now, and absolutely LOVE them! Each time my kids get antsy and need something to do, (or I need a distraction) I pull one down and let them play! Noodle beads are my latest addition!
Supplies Needed:
- 1 Cup dry, uncooked pasta per color (I used Ditalini, but you could use whatever kind you like!)
- 2 Tablespoons rubbing alcohol
- 4-5 drops food coloring (I found that the gels (like Wilton coloring gels) produced more vibrant colors)
- Sandwich baggies
- Toothpicks, if you are using gel colorings
- Large cup
- Surface to lay the wet beads on to try (I used a baking sheet covered with foil)
Place a sandwich baggie inside your cup and fold the top over the edge to hold it in place. This holds up your bag while you place everything inside. Add your pasta, rubbing alcohol and food coloring to the bag.
Zip it shut and gently shake or mix together with your hand to coat all of the beads. If you have any excess liquid, try to drain that out the best you can.
Spread the beads out on your drying surface to dry. I think this took about 3-4 hours if I remember right. Repeat with each color.
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I purchased some kids jewelry braiding cord for a couple of dollars in the craft aisle at Walmart but any string that will fit into the size of pasta you are using will work. I cut a few necklaces sized pieces of string and tied one of the beads to the bottom of each so the rest of the beads would stay on the string. It’s a great sensory/coordination activity and only costs a couple of dollars to make!
Have fun!
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About Jessica
It all began on October 8th, 2008. Cathy and Monica started this coupon blog to help friends and family learn about their new money saving hobby couponing! Since then they have taught thousands of women (and men) 
The busy boxes sound like a good idea! What a great mom you must be!
Thanks Melanie!
Love LOVE this idea!! And I am so stealing the idea of the busy boxes — we keep tons of craft/art stuff around but I find it tends to get unorganized very quickly. Sorting it out into activities is so smart. Thank you!
Glad you like it and yes, it definitely makes things easier to keep track of!
Busy boxes… Genius! I want to know your other busy box ideas! These are so pretty!
Thanks Cathy! Looks like I have a new post idea
Love the busy box idea! I would also love to know your other busy box contents!
I agree with the other ladies! I love this idea and would be VERY interested to see the other contents of your busy boxes!!!
Well then! A post about my busy boxes you shall get! Stay tuned!
Love your noodle activity box! Great colors. Are these noodles still edible if little ones put them into their mouth? I’m a Grandmother and love to do things with my Grandchildren.
I love this idea and can’t wait for the post about your other busy boxes. The beads would be great for mosaic style art projects. Do you know if the color bleeds? … I have older kids that would love making necklaces with them … but then they’re gonna want to wear them, or me to wear them. If they do, that’ll decide what types of projects we could use them for.