Project designed by Suzanne McNeil.
Materials:
pony beads: 6 silver glitter, 47 silver, 16 red opaque
Critter Cord
2 yards of 1/8" red ribbon
plastic lacing, key ring or lanyard hook - optional
Booklets: Beadin' Beauties Birthstone, Beadin' Buddies Friends - optional
Steps:
- Cut cord, find center and mount on key ring or lanyard hook with a lark's head knot; or fold cord in half and tie an overhand knot, leaving loop for hanging.
- String beads for the first row onto the right cord then slide to center. Weave left cord, from left to right, through beads.
- Arms, legs and wings: String all beads for each appendage on one cord. Bring beads for outer row out a little way on cord, then bring beads for next-to-last row out. Weave the cord back through beads for next-to-last row and pull to tighten. Bring beads for next row out and weave cord through them. Continue until leg, arm or wing is constructed. Beginning at body, pull cord through, one row at a time to tighten cord and bring leg, arm or wing up to body.
- After beading is complete, tie cord ends in one or two overhand knots to secure beads. If beads are added to ending cord, tie another knot to secure added beads. If you are making a large project and need to add more wire, just twist another piece on like this. It's real simple. Then hide the knot inside a bead.
Note: To make daisy flower, use the above technique and the following pony beads: 25 neon orange, 10 neon pink, 16 lime green, 2 yards of neon orange plastic noodle
Tips:
- Start with a simple pattern - the snake, fish, gecko or ladybug - and practice until you get the hang of beading. Always bead on a flat surface. Beading a flat surface makes it easier to keep count of the beads, and they're less likely to get tangled.
- Some classrooms are making these animals as part of the curriculum. It can be a good learning tool for counting and coordination.
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