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How to Make a Bead Maze

Bead mazes are popular with toddlers and young preschoolers. They consist of wires that are strung with large wooden beads and set in a wooden base. The beads generally create color patterns. The wires themselves go over and under each other and form patterns, like loops or twists. Commercially sold bead mazes can be expensive and are frequently large. By making your own, you can save a substantial amount of money and customize the bead maze to your needs.

Things You'll Need

Piece of wood
Sandpaper
Varnish or sealant
Brush
Drill
Wire hangars
Wire cutters
Nuts
Wood beads

Instructions

- 1
  Sand the wood base and apply varnish or sealant with a brush.
- 2
  Drill holes in the base for the wires.
- 3
  Cut the wire hangars approximately two inches below the hook. Straighten the wire.
- 4
  Insert one end of the wire in the base. Secure it on the bottom with the nut.
- 5
  Place beads on the wire in whatever color or shape patterns you prefer.
- 6
  Create shapes with the wire. For a twisting shape, wrap the wire around a tube. You can also do loops. Place the wires through each other to increase the difficulty of the puzzle for your child.
- 7
  Insert the other end of the wires through the holes in the wood base. Secure underneath with a nut.
- 8
  Twist the wires underneath to lay flat against the wooden base. Make sure there are no sharp edges.

Educational Toys