How To Do A Boondoggle

Let’s be real: sometimes you just need a brain break, and boondoggling is the perfect low-stakes hobby. Whether you’re at summer camp, stuck in a boring meeting, or looking for a craft that even kids can dominate, making a lanyard from plastic lace is surprisingly addictive. It’s the art of weaving colorful strips into keychains, bracelets, or whatever you can dream up—no fancy tools required.

This tiny project packs a big punch. For families, it’s a screen-free activity that builds fine motor skills and patience. Communities love it for camps or senior centers, because it’s cheap, portable, and instantly rewarding. You literally get something useful out of a few knots.

Think about real-life boondoggle wins. A scout packs their tent pole with a custom lanyard for grip. A dad makes his daughter a rainbow bracelet that becomes her good-luck charm. Or a bored office worker weaves a keychain to keep their keys from vanishing into the abyss—practical magic, right?

To start, you only need two strands of plastic lace (try a three-foot length). The box stitch is the classic: cross the left strand over the right, tuck, and pull. YouTube it—it’s easier than assembling flat-pack furniture. Practice until you can do it without looking, then go wild with patterns.

How To Start A Corkscrew Boondoggle at Clara Moran blog

Pro tip: Use a clipboard to hold your work tight. And don’t stress about mess-ups—just yank it out and start again. The whole point is the zen rhythm of your hands moving, not perfection.

In a world of high-tech everything, a boondoggle reminds us that simple making still matters. So grab some lace, make a loop, and let your fingers do the thinking. It’s a tiny victory you can hold in your hand—and that’s pretty cool.