Beaded animals are easy to make and can be traded as tokens of friendship or sold as fashion accessories to decorate backpacks, clothes or key chains. Experiment with different bead types and sizes to create a signature look. Small beaded animals can be used to decorate picture frames and can be glued to a magnetic strip to create refrigerator magnets. Large animals can be draped over furniture. These distinctive animals bring a fun, creative feeling to any space.
Instructions
Gecko
1. Cut a section of string approximately 120 cm long. This should be much more than you actually need. Fold the string in half. Tie a knot approximately 1 cm from the bend in the string. This should create a loop.
2. String one bead on one side of the string. This is the nose. Secure the nose in place by threading the opposite string through the bead and pulling tightly. This will pull the nose tightly against the knot in the string. Every row of beads is threaded this way, with alternating strings being used to add the beads and secure them. Add two beads to the string that was used to secure the nose piece. Thread together.
3. Add three beads to the next row. The outer beads of this row are the eyes. Thread together.
4. Create arms on each side. For each side, take the protruding string and add two beads for the arm. Add three beads of a different color for the feet and thread the string back through the two beads used for the arm. When the string is pulled tightly, the three beads for the feet should form a triangle shape.
5. Thread two beads on the next row. Add three beads for the next row. Add four beads for the next three rows. Add three beads for the next row.
6. Create legs on each side. Create these the same way you did the arms.
7. Add two beads for the next row. Create a tail by threading several rows of one bead each. The tail should be approximately seven rows long.
8. Tie the two strings together in a knot. The gecko is complete.
Ladybug
9. Cut a section of string approximately 120 cm long. Fold the string in half. Tie a knot approximately 1 cm from the bend in the string. This should create a loop.
10. String three black beads on one side of the string. Secure these in place by threading the opposite string through the bead and pulling tightly. This will pull the row straight against the knot in the string. Every row of beads is threaded this way, with alternating strings being used to add the beads and secure them.
11. Add four black beads for the next row. Add five beads for the next row. The middle bead should be black. The other four should be red. Add seven beads to the next row. The second, third and fifth beads should be black. The remainder should be red.
Add nine beads to the next row. The middle bead should be black. The remainder should be red.
Add nine beads to the next row. The middle bead should be black. The second bead in on each side should also be black. The remainder should be red.
Add nine beads to the next row. The middle bead should be black. The remainder should be red.
Add seven beads to the next row. The second, third and fifth beads should be black. The remainder should be red.
Add five beads to the next row. The middle bead should be black. The remainder should be red.
12. Tie the two strings together in a knot. The ladybug is complete.
