Creative Guide!

A guide for making friendship bracelets to spread words of affirmation and help prompt positive body image for yourself and others! This guide could be used in a classroom/youth-work setting, with your friends/family or on your own! Words of affirmation are positive words or statements that uplift and encourage others, helping to boost their self-esteem and confidence, which in turn promotes a positive mindset and can contribute to positive body image.

Disclaimer: This activity can contribute to conversations on body image in which sensitive and triggering topics may be discussed. Please be mindful and respectful of people around you and the topics you are discussing. Everyone has an individual experience with this topic and we must remain mindful of this.

Aim

Breaking out our creative side using words of affirmation to lift ourselves and others up!

Description

Use beads and string to make bracelets that have words or statements of affirmation on them, which you can trade with people around you to spread positivity with your friends, family and wider area.

Resource list

• Beads in assorted shapes, colours and letters.
• Elastic string.
• Scissors.

Guide

• Lay out your bead pattern – this allows you to get the spelling right for your word or statement of affirmation and to decide on your colours and patterns!

• Cut a piece of elastic/string with 10 to 12 cm larger than your wrist to allow room for tying. Remember to make them different sizes for trading but also some that are comfortable for you.
• Optional tip: use a piece of tape to hold down one end of your string and thread the beads onto the other end. This will stop the beads falling off or dropping off the end.
• Make the friendship bracelets! String the beads onto the cord in the order you laid them out. Add extra in if you need!
• Tie the bracelet with a reef knot: Loop the right side of the elastic over the left side, pulling it underneath. Then, loop the new left side over the right side and pull tightly.
• Trim off the excess cord and your bracelet is ready!
• Trade your bracelets and spread words and statements of affirmation! Use these to spark conversation with others or simply pass them round to spread happiness.