Guest Post: Flower Zipper Pull Craft
This cute zipper pull craft is perfect for kids to make and use! The fuzzy sticks and pony beads from Craft Project Ideas make a great tool for promoting fine motor skills while creating a fun flower zipper pull that can be used over and over again. When kids are just learning to dress themselves, zippering up a coat or jacket can be quite the feat. When a child first learns to pull up the zipper on their coat, it can be very impactful in boosting self-confidence. Making this zipper pull craft was just as much fun as it was watching my preschooler successfully zipper her coat. When kids learn to zipper, they need to really work on a few fine motor skills: using both hands together and separating the dexterity side of the hand from the stability side of the hand is really important. Using a bright and fun zipper pull like this fuzzy stick flower zipper pull is perfect! The bright colors remind kids that they need to hold the zipper with one hand and the other side of the zipper with their other hand. When engaging the zipper, kids can hold the zipper pull within the stability side of their hand which allows them to focus on and use the dexterity side to engage the zipper. Then, using the zipper pull to pull the zipper up or down the length of their coat or jacket s easy. A zipper pull is perfect for kids who struggle with grasp.
Visit TheOTToolbox.com for more information about teaching kids to zipper and the fine motor skills involved.
Materials
Neon Fuzzy Sticks
Neon Pony Beads
Instructions
Step 1.
You’ll need just two materials for this craft: fuzzy sticks & pony beads. We chose some bright and fun colors for our flower zipper pulls. Any color combinations would work and kids can choose the colors they like best. You’ll need five pony beads and one fuzzy stick to make a single zipper pull.
Step 1.
You’ll need just two materials for this craft: fuzzy sticks & pony beads. We chose some bright and fun colors for our flower zipper pulls. Any color combinations would work and kids can choose the colors they like best. You’ll need five pony beads and one fuzzy stick to make a single zipper pull.
Step 2.
First, thread all five pony beads onto the middle of the fuzzy stick. Then, create a small circle around the beads. Thread the fuzzy stick through the opening of the circle to make a loose knot.
Step 2.
First, thread all five pony beads onto the middle of the fuzzy stick. Then, create a small circle around the beads. Thread the fuzzy stick through the opening of the circle to make a loose knot.
Step 3.
Next, take one end of the fuzzy stick and bend it into the first petal of the flower. Bend it through the middle circle and fold it up over the side on the first bead.
Step 3.
Next, take one end of the fuzzy stick and bend it into the first petal of the flower. Bend it through the middle circle and fold it up over the side on the first bead.
Step 4.
Continue to bend the end of the fuzzy stick to create petals while folding and crimping the end through the middle to hold the petals in place. When you get to the end of the fuzzy stick, crimp it over the middle circle. Then, use the other end of the fuzzy stick to make any remaining petals. The petals on the flower should be small enough to create five petals with the length of one fuzzy stick and to leave a 2-inch end.
Step 4.
Continue to bend the end of the fuzzy stick to create petals while folding and crimping the end through the middle to hold the petals in place. When you get to the end of the fuzzy stick, crimp it over the middle circle. Then, use the other end of the fuzzy stick to make any remaining petals. The petals on the flower should be small enough to create five petals with the length of one fuzzy stick and to leave a 2-inch end.
Step 5.
Use the remaining end of the fuzzy stick to thread through a zipper and wrap around to hold onto the zipper pull of a coat or jacket. You’re done with the flower zipper pull! Kids will love seeing their handy work every time they put on or take off their jacket…and mom will love to see independence with this small task! For more information on how to teach kids to zipper a coat or jacket, check out The OT Toolbox. We have a lot of fun fine motor activities like this flower zipper pull to share!
Step 5.
Use the remaining end of the fuzzy stick to thread through a zipper and wrap around to hold onto the zipper pull of a coat or jacket. You’re done with the flower zipper pull! Kids will love seeing their handy work every time they put on or take off their jacket…and mom will love to see independence with this small task! For more information on how to teach kids to zipper a coat or jacket, check out The OT Toolbox. We have a lot of fun fine motor activities like this flower zipper pull to share!
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