DIY the green...make some cool recycled jewelry

As the sun begins to set on the final days of summer vacation you're sure to be as out of things to do with the kids as you are out of patience and money. Don't let the last few summer memories you make with your kids be ones of torture and misery. There's still hope.

That's why I love Instructables' guide to green jewelry. It's is a great resource for last-minute projects for you and your vacationing kids to enjoy. No matter what age your kids might be there's something for everyone.

Although all the projects are great for teens there are a few that tots can enjoy crafting with a little help from mommy. Check out this Instructable from member Designarob which offers a new twist on the paper bead and this one for making a recycled beaded bracelet from craftmatic...tre-cool. Also age-appropriate is this faux pearl necklace made of cornstarch clay which yields a stylish necklace perfect for dress-up play. All three Instructables are green and get those fine motor skills a good workout. Top off with a great read-along on recycling and you got yourself an activity that is educational, stylish and most importantly fun.

Like I mentioned before, all the how-to's in the guide are doable for teens and perhaps many tweens. My favorite Instructable in the guide is this awesome video tutorial for making a beaded bracelet on a cardboard box loom. This project is probably best suited for an uber-patient teen...if there is such thing...The results are super-rad! Upcycle paper, plastic, cardboard, circuit boards, paperclips and more this Instructables guide will give those kids something entertaining to do waking their brains up and out of a vacationing slumber in preparation for the first day of school...YAY!