We’ve partnered with our friends over at Animal Jam — the safe online playground for kids who love animals and the outdoors — to bring you this fun shark-tooth necklace tutorial.
Our kids are already looking forward to summer, and we’re thinking about a family trip to the beach. Since we’re talking about the beach, the kids have been loving to learn on Animal Jam about animals they might see there — like these crabs or maybe even a shark!? (Let’s hope not!) Created in partnership with National Geographic, Animal Jam is full of stunning animal photos and interesting facts, see the screenshot below.
It would be fun to wear our shark-tooth necklaces at the beach! These necklaces are super simple to make and both Aimée’s boys and my girls loved them. Here’s what you’ll need: shark teeth, wire, wire cutters, pony beads, and leather cording.
TO MAKE: Begin by turning the shark tooth into a pendant. Wrap wire tightly around the center of the tooth and go around a couple times being sure to cover the end which may be sharp. Then bend the wire at a diagonal and go over the top on each side of the tooth. Bring the wire back down to where you began and create one more tight center loop to secure. Bring the end up to the top again and form a loop large enough to easily string onto your cording. Twist the loop then bring your end back down to where you started, cut off any excess and tuck the end under the wrapped wire.
We created the shark-tooth pendants ahead of time and then let the kids create their own necklaces. We set out a bunch of neon pony beads and let them string them however they liked. Once they were finished we tied simple knots on either end of their beads to hold them in place. Then we tied the ends of the necklaces using two slip knots (see knot tutorial here).
Not familiar with Animal Jam? It is a safe, online community where kids create and customize their own animal characters then explore Jamaa, the animal world. Players customize their den, adopt pets, team up for adventures and feed their curiosity about animals and the natural world around. They can even ask questions of real scientists, like marine biologist Tierney Thys.
The website also features robust safety features which are constantly being optimized based on parent feedback. Parents receive a separate login and can control their child’s chat settings, plus their ability to gift or trade items. Parents can also view their child’s discipline history and their login history. We also love that Animal Jam actually includes content helping to educate kids about how to be safe online, for example when creating a new user name it reminds kids that they should not use their actual name.
All the educational content is produced in collaboration with National Geographic so you know it will be fabulous and accurate. Be sure to check out Animal Jam Academy filled with free reference info and project ideas. We also love Animal Jam’s Instagram feed, be sure to follow @AnimalJam so you won’t miss any of the gorgeous animal photos they share.
Thanks to Animal Jam for sponsoring this post.
Bettijo Bridges
Administrator at Paging Supermom
- Leprechaun Handprints: Easy St. Patrick’s Day Kids Craft
- How to Clean Pennies So They Really Shine + Free Printable
- Tin Can Drum Thanksgiving Kids Craft
- Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe in a Crockpot
- DIY Nature Journal: Easy Beginner Cricut Project
- DIY Backyard Games Set
- Fun Family Game: Cover Your Assets Game Review
- Inside Out Free Printables + Movie Review
- Worksheet Wednesday: Easter Egg Fractions
- How to Make Easter Egg Dye
- Snow White Birthday Party Ideas
- Remembrance Day Red Poppies
These necklaces remind me of all the kids when I was back in school. They always had one and I always wanted one….if only I knew it was so simple to do! For sure gonna remember this one when we are getting ready for the beach! I had mo idea you could learn so much about animals on Animal Jam.
Loving a craft that my 4 year old boy will LOVE! Thanks so much.
My children will love this! How educational and entertaining. Thanks for sharing!!
Love this!! I remember wanting a necklace just like this! Definitely gotta remember this for future kiddos