How to Make a Happiness Wand

A happiness wand is a fun craft for grandmothers and granddaughters to make together.  It can also be used as a tool to encourage your grandchild to express her feelings.

This idea for a happiness wand came from me wanting a prop I could use with my granddaughter to distract her when she was in a bit of a little girl funk.  You know what I mean, for those times when nothing seems to please.

How does it work? The wand becomes a special prop for her to explain what would make her feel better or feel happy instead of sad or frustrated.  It is definitely OK to feel sad or frustrated but when it is time to turn her frown upside down I take out the wand and encourage her to list all the things that make her happy. It seems to work, turning those 3-1/2-year-old frowns into smiles.

You may find other ways to use the wand or choose to just make it with, or for, your granddaughter as a fun toy.  It could also be used as a decoration.  Older granddaughters would enjoy making the wand all on their own.  

As always, I encourage you to make a wand for yourself along with her. You'll be amazed at how much fun you'll have. Distance grandmas can schedule craft time over a video call for making a wand. Remember, this is a creative idea and is not precious.  Perfection is not your goal. It will be beautiful no matter how you make it.

Below are the supplies and steps I used to make our happiness wand.  Use these as inspiration for your wand.  Creativity is the fun part of this activity.  There is no wrong way to make a happiness wand. This is a great time to peak into your craft box and see what you have in there that will work.

Supplies Needed

• a stick
• spray paint
• a star for the top
• Washi tape
• thin ribbons of various colors
• glitter glue
• embellishments of your choice
• glue, or hot glue gun

The stick I used was one I gathered from the yard.  I spray painted the stick with silver metallic paint and let that dry.  Use whatever colors you want.  Be creative.

The star I used was a mini tree topper from Walmart. I found it in the Christmas decorations aisle. Check your Dollar Tree store,  You'll likely find something there as well.

For embellishments, I found some mini star ornaments, also from the Christmas decorations aisle at Walmart. I painted them with glitter glue and let them dry before assembling.

Making the Happiness Wand

1. Paint your stick and let it dry.
2. Wrap the stick with colorful Washi tape in a pattern that you like.
3. Attach your star to the top of the wand.  I used hot glue. (Children should not use a hot glue gun.) and let it dry.
4. Cut eight lengths of ribbon, about two feet long each. Gather the ribbon together, find the middle and attach near the base of the star with glue. Again, I used hot glue. Let it dry.
5. Use the glitter glue, as desired to jazz up your wand. 
6. Attach embellishments.
7. Let it dry completely before using it. Check it for sturdiness to be sure it won't fall apart easily. You won't want any tears.

Voila! A happiness wand and a fun, creative craft to complete with granddaughters.  If you make one, please share on Grandmas Making Memories Facebook page.