Home >> Toys >> Childrens Toys

How to Make a Button and String Toy

In Colonial times, parents fashioned toys out of recycled goods, making dolls from dried apples or corn cobs and game pieces from fruit pits. Parents often are amused to find children playing with a cardboard box, pots and pans, or other household objects when they are surrounded by elaborate toys. You can make a simple, homemade toy with just a large button and some sturdy string. It's an inexpensive trinket to put in birthday goodie bags, Christmas stockings or to make with your child on a rainy day.

Things You'll Need

Scissors
Measuring tape
Sturdy string
Large button with two holes

Instructions

- 1
  Measure 24 to 36 inches.of sturdy string and cut.
- 2
  Thread one end of the string into one hole on the button and then out the other hole.
- 3
  Tie the two ends of the string together in a tight knot.
- 4
  Grab a piece of the string with both hands and allow the button to slide to the middle of the string.
- 5
  Extend your arms out in front of you. Start moving your hands in small circular motions away from you while still holding the string ends in both hands. This will cause the string to wind up tightly and your hands to get closer together.
- 6
  Pull on the string in an outward motion once it's tightly wound or it starts to kink. This will cause the string to unwind. Continue winding and rewinding the button to play with the toy. Listen for the buzzing or humming sound as it winds.

Childrens Toys