Making three-dimensional (3-D) animals with beads can be a simple craft for children or adults. The same technique of stringing pony beads onto a satin cord is done to make animal body shapes. Create your own patterns to make several 3-D beaded animals. The cord is looped onto a key ring and can be used as key chains. Making beaded animals works well as a group project for kids at a birthday party. They can make and trade their creations.
Instructions
1. Cut a 6 foot strand of satin cord with the scissors. Fold the cord in half and drape the loop in the key ring. Pull both ends of the cord through the opposite side of the loop to connect it to the key ring. This is a half hitch knot.
2. String pony beads onto one end of the cord to begin your animal shape. Feed the other end of the cord through the pony beads going in the opposite direction. This holds your beads horizontally in a row. Add your pony beads to the cord making rows to design the animal body. Keep the cord pulled snug to keep the rows together but not too tight to curl up the rows of beads.
3. Make a knot in the cord close to the last row of beads once the body shape is completed.
4. Cut 1 foot strands of satin cord to create the head, arms or wings, legs and tail. Feed the strand halfway through the first row of beads so that each end is hanging out of each end of the row. String beads onto the cord and feed the second strand through the beads to pull it into a horizontal row. Continue stringing beads onto the cord until the head is complete and tie a knot at the end.
5. Thread the string through the sides of the body to add arms or wings to your animal. Use the same beading technique. Add feet or legs by stringing pony beads to the bottom of the animal's body.
6. Make a tail for your beaded animal depending on what you are making. Weave a small piece of satin cord through the middle beads on the back side. Use the same stringing technique to add beads and tie the cord into a knot when finished. You now have a 3-D beaded animal key chain.
