Next, take your ribbon and create a loop at one end by folding it in half and tying a knot halfway down. With the unlooped end, tie onto your wreath, covering the wire knot. Tie into a bow and adjust until pretty! Expressive art and design - children can thread materials of different shapes, textures and colours.

Teaches maths - threading toys can teach basic maths concepts like patterns, sequencing and number. There are many benefits of lacing toys on a child’s development. Some of the main benefits include:

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Development of fine motor skills - important for activities like drawing, writing, doing up buttons and more! Get out your calotte (I had to look up what this was called, before this I knew it as 'one of those crimpy things'), and lay the knot across it. Close the calotte, trapping the knot. Before you do this you may want to fix the knot with a dab of glue or clear nail varnish. I sometimes bother, sometimes I don't! Trim the loose ends. Excuse the fluffy ends on my pic, I didn't have my nice sharp embroidery snips with me. Fold down the loop, trapping your split ring in it. Fold your wire in half and start threading your buttons onto the two ended part - one end through each hole. Thread all your buttons on, and then tie the two ends together tightly. Trim the ends of the wire.

They're based in convenient locations including supermarkets, newsagents and train stations. Plus they're often open late and on Sundays. I totally think it's possible to make a penguin using this method, so if anyone succeeds please send me a pic!of 1mm or 0.5mm waxed cotton cord. (This is much longer than you will need, but trust me, it's just easier having more than less.) Threading activities support various areas of the development outlined in the EYFS framework. Some ways include: Enhances independence - threading toys are often used independently. Children can engage in self-directed play, which fosters a sense of autonomy.