DIY Life

My oldest son recently received his first medal. It was a participation award from his four year-old soccer league. He was over the top ecstatic. I tend to shy away from competitive children's activities, but there was a real pride in my son when he got this medal. He didn't need to be the only one, or have a ranking on it; he was thrilled to be acknowledged, and loved the idea of having a special award as a keepsake.

These homemade medallions can be a great way to celebrate achievement, or simply honor one another. Let the children make them on their own, or surprise them with a special one made by you. Either way, it is sure to be a cherished token.

Here's what you'll need:

• Lid from a tin can - Make sure your can opener doesn't leave sharp edges
  
• Hot glue gun
• Ribbon
• Embellishments of your choice

Check out the gallery to see how ours turned out, and follow me through the break for instructions.


There aren't any hard and fast rules to making the medal. Really, there are only two simple steps, and the rest depends on you.

1. Decorate the lid
   Hot glue the beads, pom-poms, glitter and other embellishments on the lid. If the award is for something specific, cut a circle out of construction paper for the center, and write the honor in the middle. It could read anything from "First place" to "World's Greatest Grandpa". You could even collect twigs and mini pine cones to make a nature necklace. There no restrictions here, so have fun with it!
   
   
2. Attach the ribbon
   Using hot glue, attach the ribbon to the back of the lid, creating a neck loop.

This popular craft would make a great birthday party souvenir, or award at the end of your neighborhood summer games. Grandma might even like one for Mother's Day. If you're a babysitter, this is a simple craft to do with the children after a full day of fun. Camp counselors can use the idea to recognize excellence or participation.

Talk to the children about crediting and celebrating each other. Let them think of somebody they would like to present an award to. Their answers might surprise you!