In this tutorial, we are making binary code ornaments.
Binary code is a way to write numbers, letters and symbols using only 0 and 1.
You will need pipe cleaners, and three colours of beads - one colour for 0, one colour for 1, and one colour as a spacer between letters.
In our example, we’ve used white for zero, red for 1, and green as the spacer.
Instructions
Download our binary code chart and look up the code for the letters you will need. Three and four letter words work best for this. We have used only capital letters.
It helps to lay out the beads for each letter first. Don’t forget the spacer beads.
Then you just need to thread the beads on to your pipe cleaner, twist the ends together to make a loop, and the ornament is ready to hang on your tree.
It is almost time for the RSPB Big Schools’ Bird Watch – the largest citizen science project for schools across the UK. Sign up to take part, from 6th January- 13th February 2026.
We've pulled together all our seasonal resources from the last three years, and thrown in a few new ones too, so that you can create your own Christmas Holiday Countdown depending on age, ability and preferences. With games, puzzles, art and craft activities to choose from, as well as our interactive puzzle mystery story.
