Grade 2 Art And Craft Ornaments – Double Strand Necklace Notes

Art and Craft — Ornaments

Subtopic: Double Strand Necklace (for age 7 — Kenya)

A double strand necklace has two lines of beads that sit one below the other. In Kenya, people often use bright colours like the Maasai beads: red, blue, green, white and black. Today we will make a simple, colourful double strand necklace you can wear!

What you need

• Beads (plastic or glass) in many colours — try red, blue, green, yellow, white 🟢🔴🔵
• Strong thread or fishing line (2 pieces), each about 40–50 cm long
• Clasp or a small ribbon to tie (or just tie a knot) 🔗
• Scissors ✂️ and a needle (optional) 🪡
• Small bowl to hold beads

Safety tips

• Ask an adult to help with scissors and needle.
• Be careful not to swallow beads — keep them away from very young children.

Step-by-step (easy)

1. Ask an adult to cut two equal lengths of thread (40–50 cm). These will be the two strands.
2. Tie one end of each thread to the clasp or tie both ends together with a strong knot. You can also use a small safety pin on a cushion to hold the ends while you work.
3. Plan your colours. Make a simple pattern — for example: Red, White, Blue, Red, White, Blue. Draw it on paper or line beads in order on the table.
4. Start stringing beads on the top thread first. Count as you add beads: 1, 2, 3… (this helps practise counting!).
5. Now string beads on the bottom thread. You can match the top pattern or make a different one — many Maasai necklaces use repeating bright patterns.
6. Try the necklace on to check the length. If too long, take some beads off. If too short, add more beads.
7. When you are happy, tie the loose ends to the other part of the clasp or tie a strong knot. Ask an adult to help if needed.
8. Trim extra thread but leave a tiny bit so the knot won’t come undone.

Simple picture: how two strands look

Fun ideas (Kenyan style!)

• Use the Maasai colour order: red for bravery, white for health, blue for the sky. Make your own meaning too!
• Try repeating patterns: ABAB or ABCABC — this is good practice for patterns in maths.
• Add small charms or shells from the coast for a Kenyan touch.

Short activity for class or home

Count how many red beads and blue beads you use. Which colour did you use most? Draw your pattern on paper before beading.

Questions for the teacher or parent

1. What colours did the child choose and why?
2. Can the child make a repeating pattern with the beads?
3. Did they tie a strong knot or fix a clasp safely?

Have fun creating your double strand necklace — wear it proudly or gift it to someone special! 🇰🇪