Pasta Necklaces and Bracelets That Kids Can Give

By Kelly · Updated 2026-10-17

Dry pasta offers a versatile, lightweight base for custom jewelry when treated with rich dyes or metallic finishes. By using sturdy cording and intentional color palettes, these pieces transition from simple crafts to thoughtful, wearable gifts that are durable enough for daily use.

Preparation: Dyeing Pasta for Vibrant Color

Batch-Dyeing Pasta Beads

ages 4+ · 15 min (plus 4 hours drying time) · about $3

• 1 cup dry pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ditalini)
• 1 tablespoon 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol
• 15 drops liquid food coloring
• Gallon-sized zip-top plastic bag
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

1. Place the dry pasta into the zip-top bag.
2. Add the rubbing alcohol and the liquid food coloring directly into the bag.
3. Seal the bag tightly and shake vigorously for 2 minutes or until the pasta is evenly coated.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to protect the surface from staining.
5. Spread the pasta in a single layer on the parchment paper.
6. Allow the pasta to air dry for at least 4 hours, turning the pieces halfway through to ensure the undersides dry completely.
7. Safety note: Rubbing alcohol is flammable and should be handled by an adult away from heat sources.

Metallic Rigatoni Statement Necklace

ages 6+ · 30 min · about $5

• 10-12 pieces dry rigatoni pasta
• Gold metallic spray paint
• 24 inches of 2mm faux suede cord
• 2 silver-plated cord ends
• Jewelry pliers
• E6000 craft adhesive
• Cardboard box (for spray painting)

1. Place the rigatoni inside a cardboard box in a well-ventilated area.
2. Apply a thin, even coat of gold spray paint to the pasta and let dry for 20 minutes before rotating and painting the other side.
3. Cut the suede cord to the desired necklace length, typically 18 to 24 inches.
4. Thread the painted rigatoni onto the center of the cord.
5. Apply a small drop of E6000 adhesive into one cord end and insert the cord tip.
6. Use jewelry pliers to crimp the cord end securely; repeat for the other side.
7. Safety note: Spray paint must be used outdoors or in a highly ventilated area by an adult.

Ditalini and Button Wrap Bracelet

ages 5+ · 20 min · about $2

• 20 pieces dyed ditalini pasta
• 5 vintage buttons (1/2 inch diameter)
• 12 inches of 1mm clear elastic jewelry cord
• Scissors
• Clear nail polish

1. Measure the recipient's wrist and add 4 inches to determine the cord length.
2. Thread the elastic cord through the shank of the first button.
3. Alternate threading four ditalini pasta beads and one button until you reach the desired length.
4. Tie the ends of the elastic cord together using a surgeon's knot (an overhand knot with an extra twist).
5. Pull the knot tight and apply a small drop of clear nail polish to the knot to prevent it from slipping.
6. Trim the excess cord ends close to the knot once the polish is dry.
7. Hide the knot by sliding it inside one of the ditalini beads.

Packaging and Presentation

• Recycled Glass Jars: Place the finished jewelry inside a small, clean baby food jar or spice jar with a square of scrap fabric tied over the lid with twine.
• Cardboard Tubes: Cut a toilet paper roll into 2-inch sections, wrap in brown kraft paper, and slide the bracelet over the tube to maintain its shape.
• Custom Gift Tags: Use 65 lb white cardstock to cut small rectangles. Punch two holes in the card and thread the necklace through to display it flat before placing it in a gift bag.
• T-shirt Yarn Ties: Cut 1-inch strips from an old cotton t-shirt and pull them taut to create soft, stretchy yarn for tying around gift boxes.

To prevent the color on dyed pasta from transferring to the wearer's skin during humid weather, spray the finished beads with a light coat of clear acrylic sealer before assembly.